John Ranby facts for kids
John Ranby (1703–1773) was a famous English surgeon. He worked for King George II and wrote important books about surgery. He also helped create a separate group for surgeons, distinct from barbers.
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Life of John Ranby
John Ranby was born in 1703. His father was Joseph Ranby. John started learning surgery at a young age, becoming an apprentice in 1715.
By 1722, he was a skilled surgeon. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1724. This was a big honor for scientists.
In 1738, he became a surgeon for the king's household. Later, in 1740, he was promoted to sergeant-surgeon for King George II. He even went with the king during a war in Germany in 1743. He treated Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, the king's son, after the Battle of Dettingen.
Surgeons Separate from Barbers
In 1745, John Ranby helped pass a law. This law created a new group just for surgeons. Before this, surgeons were part of the same company as barbers. Ranby became the first leader, or "master," of this new surgeons' company. He was re-elected master in 1751 and 1752.
In 1752, Ranby also became a surgeon at the Chelsea Hospital. This was a hospital for soldiers.
John Ranby passed away on August 28, 1773. He was buried at Chelsea Hospital.
John Ranby's Reputation
John Ranby was a very busy surgeon. He had many patients. The famous writer Henry Fielding even mentioned him in his novel Tom Jones.
Ranby was known for being a strong-willed person. He was a skilled surgeon, but some people found his manners a bit rough.
John Ranby's Writings
John Ranby wrote several important books about surgery.
- The Method of Treating Gunshot Wounds (1744): This book shared his experiences treating soldiers wounded in battle. He wrote about using a special bark (like early quinine) to help with infections.
- A Narrative of the last illness of the Earl of Orford (1745): This pamphlet was about the illness of Sir Robert Walpole, a famous politician. Ranby wrote about his medical opinions on the case.
- The True Account of all the Transactions before the Right Honourable the Lords and others Commissioners for the affairs of Chelsea Hospital as far as relates to the Admission and Dismission of Sam. Lee, Surgeon (1754): This work discussed how a person who claimed to cure hernias was paid by the government.
- Three Curious Dissections (1728): These were detailed studies of human bodies. They were published in a collection of surgical writings.
- Paper in the Philosophical Transactions (1731): He also wrote an article for this scientific journal.
John Ranby's Family
In 1729, John Ranby married Jane Barrett-Lennard.
He had a son named John Ranby (1743–1820). This son became known for writing pamphlets. His daughter Hannah married Walter Waring, who was a member of Parliament.
Images for kids
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An engraving by William Hogarth from the 1750s, showing John Ranby's house at Chiswick.
