John Heaviside (surgeon) facts for kids
John Heaviside (died 1828) was an important English surgeon. He was also well-known for owning a special museum. In 1797, he was chosen to be a member of the Royal Society. This was a great honor for scientists and smart people.
Early Life and Training
John Heaviside was born in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. His father, also named John Heaviside, was a surgeon too. John Jr. was baptized in 1748. He went to school in Chipping Barnet. His teacher was David Garrow.
In 1764, John Heaviside began training to become a surgeon. He was an apprentice to Charles Dance in Chipping Barnet. An apprentice learns a skill by working with an expert. He later trained with Percivall Pott in London. Pott was a very famous surgeon.
Becoming a Surgeon
After his training, John Heaviside worked at St Bartholomew's Hospital. This is a well-known hospital in London. He then became an army surgeon. He worked with the Grenadier Guards until 1788.
In 1790, he became a royal surgeon. This meant he was a surgeon for the royal family! Heaviside inherited a lot of money from his father. He used some of this money to buy a house in Hanover Square.
Heaviside's Museum
In 1793, John Heaviside bought a large collection of medical items. These belonged to another surgeon named Henry Watson. He kept this collection in his house at 14 George Street. His house became a famous anatomical museum. An anatomical museum shows parts of the body and how they work.
Heaviside even published a book about his museum in 1818. It was like a guide to all the amazing things he had collected. He had assistants who helped him, including John Howship.
Later Life and Legacy
John Heaviside was also a member of the Eumelian Club. This was a group started by John Ash. After John Heaviside passed away in 1828, his museum collection was sold. His work helped people learn more about medicine and the human body.
