Training medical surgeons 19th century

William Schupbach

The usual training for British and Irish surgeons started with apprenticeship with a master surgeon or surgeon-apothecary, followed by a time spent on the wards in a major hospital in Edinburgh, London, Paris, etc., sometimes accompanied by attendance at lectures. Then a qualification, in Great Britain usually LSA (Licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries), followed in some cases by membership, licentiateship or fellowship of the local College or Corporation of Surgeons. Some surgeons either did not need, or want, or have the funds, to go through all three stages.

The only feasible source for the first stage, apprenticeship, is usually Eighteenth century medics by Wallis & Wallis https://wellcomecollection.org/works/th4p7bh3 though it is not very easy to use.

People awarded qualifications by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries: I don't think they are listed anywhere for this period, but the archivist of the society can advise: contact: Janet Payne, Archives Officer, Email: [email protected]

People awarded qualifications by corporations, guilds or colleges: contact the appropriate institution, there are relevant colleges in London (https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/museums-and-archives/archives/ ), Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dublin.