Henry Cline facts for kids

Henry Cline (born in 1750, died in 1827) was a famous English surgeon. He was also the president of the Royal College of Surgeons. Besides his medical work, he was interested in politics, supporting big changes in society, and was friends with people who backed the French Revolution. He was also a farmer and a respected member of the Royal Society.

Early Life and Training

Henry Cline was born in London. He went to school at Merchant Taylors' School. When he was 17, he began training with Thomas Smith. Smith was a surgeon at St. Thomas's Hospital. Even before finishing his training, Henry often gave lectures for Joseph Else, who taught anatomy.

In 1774, Henry Cline officially became a surgeon. That same year, he learned a lot from John Hunter's lectures. When Joseph Else died in 1781, Cline bought his teaching materials. He then took over Else's job, teaching anatomy. Three years later, his old teacher Thomas Smith passed away. Henry Cline then became a surgeon at St. Thomas's Hospital. He lived in St. Mary Axe for some years. In 1796, he moved to Lincoln's Inn Fields, where he lived for the rest of his life.

Becoming a Leader in Surgery

In 1796, Henry Cline was chosen to be part of the leadership team for the Surgeons' Company. However, his election was found to be invalid. This was because the two main leaders were not present at the meeting. After some issues, the surgeons officially became the Royal College of Surgeons in 1800. This happened through a special document called a charter. In 1806, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This meant he was a respected member of a group for top scientists.

In 1808, Cline bought some land in Bound's Green in Middlesex. He visited it often and became very interested in farming. According to his student, Astley Cooper, he spent a lot of time and money on it. When he was 60 years old, he was earning about £10,000 a year from his work as a surgeon. But Cooper thought he would have earned even more if he hadn't loved politics and farming so much!

In 1810, Cline became an examiner at the College of Surgeons. This meant he helped test new surgeons. The next year, he left his jobs at St. Thomas's Hospital. His students raised money for a statue of him. This statue, made by Francis Leggatt Chantrey, was placed in St. Thomas's Museum.

In 1815, he became the master of the College of Surgeons. He gave a special speech called the Hunterian oration in 1816 and 1824. In 1823, he became president of the college. The title had changed from 'master' to 'president' in 1821. Henry Cline passed away on January 2, 1827.

His Beliefs and Friends

Henry Cline was a supporter of John Horne Tooke. He even helped Tooke as a doctor when Tooke was in trouble with the government. He also helped him during his last illness. For many years, Cline held a special dinner at his house. This dinner was for Tooke's friends and supporters. It celebrated Tooke being found innocent. Cline was also a friend of John Thelwall.

He supported the French revolution. Because he knew important people in Paris, he helped keep his student, Astley Cooper, safe. This was during Cooper's three-month stay there in 1792. Cline believed there was a power greater than humans. However, he thought that nothing was known about what happens after death.

His Writings

Henry Cline only published one small book. It was called Form of Animals and came out in 1805. It was printed again in 1808 and 1829.

His Family

In 1775, Henry Cline moved into a house in Devonshire Street. He married Miss Webb. He even gave a lecture on the day he got married!

His son, also named Henry Cline, took over his father's jobs. He became a surgeon at St. Thomas's and taught anatomy and surgery. Sadly, his son died on May 27, 1820, from a lung disease.