Abraham Colles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abraham Colles
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| Born | 23 July 1773 Milmount, Kilkenny, Ireland
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| Died | 16 November 1843 (aged 70) |
| Education | Trinity College Dublin |
| Known for | Treatise on surgical anatomy Paper On the Fracture of the Carpal Extremity of the Radius (Colles' fracture). |
| Medical career | |
| Profession | Surgeon, Physician |
| Institutions | Dr Steevens' Hospital |
| Sub-specialties | Anatomy, Physiology, Surgery |
Abraham Colles (born July 23, 1773 – died November 16, 1843) was a very important Irish doctor. He taught about the human body (anatomy), how it works (physiology), and surgery. He worked at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). He was even the head of the RCSI twice, in 1802 and 1830. Today, a special award called the Colles Medal is given every year to a promising young surgeon from Ireland.
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Abraham Colles' Early Life
Abraham Colles came from a family in England. He was born in a place called Millmount, near Kilkenny, Ireland. His father owned a big quarry that produced famous black marble.
When Abraham was only six years old, his father passed away. But his mother was very strong. She took over running the quarry. This helped her make sure her children got a good education.
How He Discovered Medicine
One day, while Abraham was studying at Kilkenny College, a big flood happened. It damaged a local doctor's house. Abraham found an anatomy book (a book about the human body) in a field. He returned it to the doctor.
The doctor noticed Abraham's interest in medicine. So, he let Abraham keep the book. This was a big moment that sparked Abraham's journey into medicine.
Becoming a Doctor
In 1790, Abraham started studying at Trinity College Dublin. He trained at several hospitals, including Dr Steevens' Hospital. In 1795, he earned his first diploma from the Royal College of Surgeons.
He then went to Edinburgh Medical School in Scotland. He earned his MD degree in 1797. After that, he spent a short time in London. There, he worked with a famous surgeon named Sir Astley Cooper.
His Career in Dublin
Abraham Colles returned to Dublin in 1799. He joined the staff at Dr Steevens' Hospital. He worked there for 42 years! He also became a consulting surgeon at other important hospitals.
He was a highly respected surgeon. He was elected president of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in 1802. He was only 28 years old then! He served as president again in 1830. In 1804, he became a professor at RCSI. He taught about anatomy, physiology, and surgery.
Colles' Important Discoveries
In 1811, Abraham Colles wrote an important book about surgical anatomy. Some of the terms he used are still used by surgeons today.
He is most famous for a paper he wrote in 1814. It was about a specific type of broken wrist. This injury is still known as Colles' fracture. He described this wrist fracture many years before X-rays were invented!
He also described other parts of the body. One is a layer of tissue in the lower body, called Colles' fascia. Another is a part of the groin area, sometimes called Colles' ligament. He was also the first surgeon to successfully tie off a major artery in the shoulder.
Honors and Retirement
In 1839, Abraham Colles was offered a special title called a baronetcy. This was to honor his amazing career. However, he politely refused it.
When he retired from teaching surgery, the Royal College of Surgeons praised him. They said his excellent teaching for 32 years was a main reason for the success of their surgery school.
Abraham Colles passed away on November 16, 1843. He was buried in Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin.
Family Life
In 1807, Abraham Colles married Miss Sophia Cope. His son, William, also became a doctor. William later became a professor of anatomy at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1863.
