Thomas Vicary facts for kids
Thomas Vicary (around 1490—1561) was an important English doctor, surgeon, and expert in human anatomy. He lived during a time when medicine was still developing.
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Early Life and Royal Surgeon
Thomas Vicary was born in Kent, England, around the year 1490. He started his medical work in Maidstone. He learned a lot about medicine and surgery through his own experiences, rather than from formal schooling.
King Henry VIII noticed Vicary's skills after he helped cure the King's sore leg. Because of this, Vicary became a top surgeon for the Royal Family. He also became a very important surgeon in the City of London. He was the first leader, called "master," of the Company of Barber-Surgeons. This was a group of barbers who also performed surgeries. He led this company three more times after his first term.
In 1540, Thomas Vicary played a key role in joining two important medical groups together. He even appears in a famous painting by Hans Holbein the Younger. This painting shows King Henry VIII giving the official document, called a charter, to Vicary himself. Vicary also helped set up the first official teaching of anatomy. He was allowed to use the bodies of people who had died for teaching students at the Barber-Surgeons' hall.
Work at St Bartholomew's Hospital
In 1546, Thomas Vicary was chosen to be the first leader of St Bartholomew's Hospital. This was a very important hospital in London. Two years later, in 1548, he became the main surgical leader at the hospital. He stayed in this important role until he passed away. After King Henry VIII died, Vicary continued to serve other English kings and queens from the Tudor family as their doctor.
His Book and Legacy
A very early book about human anatomy, called The anatomy of mans body, is often linked to Thomas Vicary. However, it seems he actually updated and republished an older book from the Middle Ages.
Today, the Royal College of Surgeons still honors Thomas Vicary. They hold a special lecture every year in his name.
See also
- History of anatomy
