Solomon Richards (surgeon) facts for kids
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Solomon Richards (born around 1760 – died November 6, 1819) was a famous Irish surgeon. He was chosen four times to be the president of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). This happened in 1794, 1803, 1808, and 1818. He became well-known for performing a special surgery called a tracheotomy in public. This event was even mentioned in a funny poem! People admired him because he was very kind and gave help to those in need. He was also known for his clever jokes and witty remarks. Some even said he was the "fattest surgeon in the United Kingdom."
Early Life and Family
Solomon Richards was born in York Street, Dublin, Ireland, around 1760. He was the second son of Goddard Richards, who lived in Grange, County Wexford. Solomon received a great education, especially in classic subjects like Latin and Greek.
He married Elizabeth Groome, and they had five children together.
A Surgeon's Journey
Solomon Richards began his medical training as an apprentice to James Boyton. Boyton was an assistant surgeon at Dr Steevens' Hospital. After finishing his training in 1781, Solomon traveled to important cities like London, Edinburgh, and Paris. He wanted to learn from the best doctors of his time.
When he returned to Ireland, he passed his exams in 1785. Soon after, he became a member of the RCSI. He was elected president of the RCSI four times, which shows how respected he was. He was also a member of other important groups, like the Royal Irish Academy.
Richards first worked on South Great George's Street. But he soon moved to York Street, Dublin, where he lived for the rest of his life. In 1790, he became a surgeon at the Meath Hospital. He held this job for his entire career. Many young doctors trained under him at the Meath Hospital. Some of them, like Philip Crampton, later became presidents of the RCSI themselves.
After another surgeon, Samuel Croker-King, passed away in 1817, Richards also became a visiting surgeon and governor at Dr Steevens' Hospital.
Friends often called him "Sol." He was known for being very kind and helping poor patients without charging them. He was also famous for his funny jokes and smart comments. People said his lectures were very clear and easy to understand.
Famous Moments
Solomon Richards became famous for performing a tracheotomy in public. A tracheotomy is a surgery where a small opening is made in the windpipe to help someone breathe. This event happened in the coffee room of the Irish House of Commons. The patient was Denis Browne, a politician.
A writer mentioned this event in a poem, saying how Richards' quick actions helped someone who was choking. The poem suggested that this public display of skill helped him become well-known.
Richards was also known for his size. People said he was the "fattest surgeon in the United Kingdom." He even had to enter a carriage sideways! He was good friends with another surgeon named Ralph Smith O’bré, who was very small. There's a story, which might be just a legend, about them being robbed. O'bré supposedly hid behind Richards, who lost his money and tools. In the end, Richards managed to get his own things back.
His Wealth
In 1812, Solomon Richards won a large amount of money, £10,000, in a lottery! With this money, he bought land in County Dublin. Later, in 1818, he bought a large property called the Ardamine Estate in County Wexford.
Later Life and Legacy
Solomon Richards passed away peacefully in his bed on November 6, 1819. His eldest son, John Goddard Richards, survived him. Another surgeon, W. H. Porter, took over his position at the Meath Hospital. Porter continued to research and write about tracheotomy, the surgery Richards was famous for. Sadly, Solomon Richards' home in County Wexford, Ardamine House, was destroyed in 1921 and was never rebuilt.
