Frank Hastings Hamilton facts for kids

Frank Hastings Hamilton, a famous American surgeon.

Frank Hastings Hamilton (born September 13, 1813, in Wilmington, Vermont – died August 11, 1886, in New York City, New York) was a very well-known American surgeon. He made important contributions to medicine in the 1800s.

Early Life and Education

Frank Hastings Hamilton was the son of Calvin and Lucinda (Hastings) Hamilton. His family had a long history in America, with his mother being a descendant of Thomas Hastings, who came from England in 1634. Frank Hamilton was a bright student. He graduated from Union College in 1830 and then earned his medical degree (MD) from the University of Pennsylvania in 1835.

Medical Career and Civil War Service

After finishing his studies, Hamilton taught at different colleges. In 1861, he became a professor at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College. During the American Civil War, he served as a military surgeon for two years. In 1863, he was made a medical inspector with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He held many important positions, including being the president of the New York Society of Medical Jurisprudence.

Hamilton was a consulting surgeon for many hospitals. He became famous for his knowledge of surgery. He wrote three major books that are still important in medical history. These books helped doctors learn more about surgery:

• Practical Treatise on Military Surgery (published in 1861)
• The Principles and Practice of Surgery (published in 1872)

Helping President Garfield

Frank Hamilton's place in history became even more famous because of a sad event. In 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot. The President's wife immediately asked for Dr. Hamilton to come help. He was sent for by telegraph, and a special train took him directly to the President's side. Dr. Hamilton, along with other doctors, stayed with President Garfield almost constantly until he passed away.

Medical Discoveries and Terms

Dr. Hamilton also had several medical terms named after him because of his discoveries and methods. These terms are still used in some medical discussions:

• Hamilton's bandage — This is a special bandage used for the lower jaw. It's made from a leather string and linen straps.
• Hamilton's pseudophlegmon — This describes a swelling that can become red and hard, but it never forms pus like an infection.
• Hamilton's test — This is a test used when a shoulder joint is out of place (luxated). If you place a straight rod on the arm bone (humerus), it can touch both the outer part of the elbow and the shoulder blade at the same time. This helps doctors know if the shoulder is dislocated.

Later Life and Family

Frank Hastings Hamilton died at his home in New York City on August 11, 1886. He was buried at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, New York. He was the great-grandfather of Frank H. Davis, who later served as the Treasurer for the state of Vermont from 1969 to 1975.

Images for kids

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  Doctors discussing President Garfield's wounds.