Richard Quain (English surgeon) facts for kids
Richard Quain (born July 1800 – died September 15, 1887) was an important English anatomist and surgeon. He was born in Fermoy, Ireland. His brother was Jones Quain, who was also a famous anatomist. Richard Quain studied medicine in London and Paris. He became a professor of anatomy at the University of London (now University College London) in 1832. He also worked as a surgeon at the North London Hospital. In 1868, he became the president of the Royal College of Surgeons.
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Richard Quain's Early Life and Education
Richard Quain was born in July 1800 in Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland. He was the third son of Richard Quain. His older brother, Jones Quain, was also a well-known anatomist. His half-brother was Sir John Richard Quain.
Richard went to Adair's school in Fermoy. After that, he trained with a surgeon in Ireland. He then moved to London to study medicine more deeply. He attended the Aldersgate School of Medicine. Later, he went to Paris to continue his studies.
Richard Quain's Career in Medicine
In 1828, Richard Quain became a demonstrator of anatomy. This was at the new University of London school. He helped his mentor, James Richard Bennett, teach anatomy. After Bennett's death, Quain became the senior demonstrator.
In 1832, Richard Quain was made a professor of descriptive anatomy. He held this important position until 1850. He taught many students who later became famous surgeons.
Quain became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1828. In 1834, he was appointed the first assistant surgeon. This was at University College Hospital, also known as the North London Hospital.
He later became a full surgeon and a special professor of clinical surgery in 1848. He retired from this role in 1866. After retiring, he became a consulting surgeon for the hospital. He was also an emeritus professor of clinical surgery.
Leadership and Contributions
In 1843, the Royal College of Surgeons created a new honor called the fellowship. Richard Quain was one of the first people chosen for this honor. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1844. This is a very prestigious group for scientists.
He joined the council of the College of Surgeons in 1854. He also served on the court of examiners in 1865. In 1868, he was elected president of the Royal College of Surgeons. This was a very high honor in his profession.
From 1870 to 1876, he represented the Royal College of Surgeons. He was part of the General Council of Education and Registration. At the time of his death, he was one of Queen Victoria's special surgeons.
Richard Quain's Legacy and Philanthropy
Richard Quain passed away on September 15, 1887. He is buried in Finchley. He married Ellen, Viscountess Midleton, in 1859. They did not have any children.
He left most of his money, about £75,000, for education. This money was given to University College London. It was meant to support teaching in modern languages. This included English language and writing. It also supported natural science.
Because of his generous gift, the Quain professorship of English language and literature was created. Quain studentships and prizes were also started. These help students study and achieve their goals.
Richard Quain's Published Works
Richard Quain was a careful and practical surgeon. He cared deeply about his profession. He always stressed that doctors needed a good general education.
Besides helping to edit his brother's book, Elements of Anatomy, Richard Quain wrote several important books:
- The Anatomy of the Arteries of the Human Body: This book was published in 1844. It included detailed drawings of the body's arteries. These drawings were made by Joseph Maclise. The book also explained how the arteries relate to diseases and surgery. It was based on observations from over 1,000 human bodies.
- The Diseases of the Rectum: This book, published in 1854, focused on specific medical conditions.
- Clinical Lectures: Published in 1884, this book shared his knowledge from treating patients. It contained lessons from his many years of experience as a surgeon.
Richard Quain's Portraits
There are several artistic works that show Richard Quain. A life-size painting of him is at the Royal College of Surgeons in England. This painting was done by George Richmond.
There is also a sculpture of his head, called a bust. This bust was made by Thomas Woolner. It is located in the council room of the Royal College of Surgeons. Another lithograph, a type of print, was made by Thomas Bridgford.
