William Hartigan (Irish surgeon) facts for kids
William Hartigan (1756–1812) was an important Irish surgeon. He was also a doctor with special medical degrees (MD, MRCSI). He lived and worked in Dublin, Ireland, during the late 1700s and early 1800s.
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Early Life and Training
William Hartigan was born in Dublin in 1756. He chose to study medicine and become a surgeon. Around 1778, he started his medical practice in Dublin. This was the beginning of his long and successful career.
Joining Medical Societies
On August 17, 1780, William Hartigan became a member. He joined the Dublin Society of Surgeons. Later, in 1784, a new group was formed. It was called the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). This college brought surgeons together. Hartigan was chosen to be one of its first members.
A Leader in Surgery and Anatomy
William Hartigan became a very respected figure. He held important teaching positions. He also led the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
Teaching at RCSI
In 1789, Hartigan was named Professor of Anatomy at RCSI. Anatomy is the study of the body's structure. He even wrote a guide for his lectures in 1796. Later, in 1798, he became Professor of Surgery at RCSI. Surgery is the medical practice of operating on the body.
President of RCSI
In 1797, William Hartigan was given a great honor. He was elected President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. This showed how much his fellow surgeons respected him.
Teaching at Trinity College
Hartigan also taught at Trinity College, Dublin University (TCD). He was appointed Professor of Anatomy there. This meant he taught students about the human body. He held this important role for some time.
His Personality and Impact
People who knew William Hartigan liked him. He was known for being friendly and popular. He was also a favorite among his students.
A Popular Teacher
A history book about RCSI describes Hartigan well. It says he had a "good presence and agreeable manners." This helped him become very popular. His students at the College of Surgeons admired him. They even gave him special thank-you notes twice.
Later Life and Family
William Hartigan lived a full life. He had a family and continued his work.
Family Life
William Hartigan was married twice. His first wife was Isabella Steward. His second wife was Anne Elizabeth Pollock. He had several children with Anne Elizabeth. Two of his children were Edward and Charlotte. Charlotte married Sir Matthew Barrington. Sir Matthew is famous for starting Barrington's Hospital in Limerick.
His Passing
William Hartigan passed away on December 15, 1812. He was buried in St. Ann's Church, Dawson Street in Dublin. His home at 3 Kildare-street was later sold. It was bought by the Kildare Street Club. They eventually took the house down.
His Portrait
There is a painting of William Hartigan. It was made by an American artist named Gilbert Stuart. This portrait is now in the National Gallery of Art in Washington. In 1922, a display guide described him. It called him "A noted Surgeon and member of the Faculty of Trinity College, Dublin." This painting also appears in a book about Irish medicine.
