George Lauder (surgeon) facts for kids

George Lauder (around 1712 – May 8, 1752) was an important surgeon from Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the president, or deacon, of the Incorporation of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1744. This group later became the Royal College of Surgeons.

During the Jacobite rising of 1745, George Lauder helped many wounded people. He cared for soldiers after the Battle of Prestonpans. He also worked as a surgeon for the Jacobite army as they marched through England and back to Scotland. He continued to help the injured after the Battle of Falkirk.

Early Life and Training

George Lauder was born around 1712 in Scotland. His father, John Lauder, was also an Edinburgh surgeon. His father had also been the president of the surgeons' group.

George became an Edinburgh citizen on April 6, 1725. He learned surgery through an apprenticeship. On April 20, 1737, he became a full member, or Fellow, of the Incorporation of Surgeons.

A Surgeon's Career

George Lauder became a well-known surgeon in Edinburgh. He trained several students who wanted to become surgeons. In 1744, he was chosen to be the Deacon (president) of the Incorporation of Surgeons. This was a very important role.

Helping Wounded Soldiers

After the Battle of Prestonpans in September 1745, George Lauder helped many wounded soldiers. He worked with his friend, another surgeon named John Rattray. Other local surgeons also helped.

Lauder and Rattray stayed with the Jacobite army. Prince Charles Edward Stuart led this army. They marched to Derby in England and then returned to Scotland.

Captured and Released

After the Battle of Culloden, Lauder and Rattray were captured. They were held prisoner in a church in Inverness. Many other wounded prisoners were there too. Their surgical tools were taken away so they could not treat the injured.

Later, they were moved to Inverness jail. They were released thanks to Duncan Forbes, Lord Culloden. He was a friend of Rattray's. They returned to Edinburgh in May 1746. However, they were arrested again by the Duke of Cumberland. They were held in London for seven months. Finally, Lauder and Rattray were set free in January 1747.

Lauder's Important Statement

To help gain his freedom, George Lauder wrote a long statement. He explained how he and Rattray had helped wounded government soldiers. This was after the battles of Prestonpans and Falkirk.

After the Battle of Prestonpans, he treated eight officers by name. He also said:

• "Mr Rattray and I operated on and dressed almost 300 private men that day."
• "280 of these men were taken to the Charity Work-house."
• "Mr [Alexander] Wood and I, who are the surgeons for that House, took care of them."
• "My part was biggest as I did all the operations and gave medicines from my own shop for free."
• "I also brought two dozen bottles of wine, eight large loaves of bread, and a lot of cheese to the prisoners at Colonel Gardiner's House, all at my own cost."

After his release, Lauder went back to being a surgeon in Edinburgh. He trained five more apprentices between 1751 and 1757.

Family and Later Life

George Lauder married Rosina Preston around 1739. They had one daughter, Mary, and four sons. One of their sons, Colin Lauder, also became a surgeon in Edinburgh.

George Lauder died in 1752. He had a head injury after falling from his horse in Lugton, Midlothian.