John Hunter

Who was John Hunter?

John Hunter was a famous surgeon in the 18th century.

What were Hunter's contributions to medical progress?

Hunter made many contributions to medical progress through 4 key methods:

• ❖ Writing books.
• ❖ Teaching.
• ❖ The scientific method.
• ❖ Anatomical specimens.

How did Hunter's books contribute to medical progress?

Hunter's books contributed to medical progress in five ways:

• ❖ His books showed the theoretical knowledge needed to understand anatomy.
• ❖ His writings were based on observations and willingness to experiment.
• ❖ In 1771, he published 'The Natural History of Teeth'.
• ❖ His books were very popular. They were translated into several different languages.
• ❖ His book 'Blood Inflammation and Gunshot Wounds' put to rest the idea that gunshot wounds were poisoned.

How did Hunter's teaching contribute to medical progress?

After being admitted to the Company of Surgeons, Hunter established a large medical practice. Many other surgeons were trained to use the scientific methods he had developed. For example, Edward Jenner trained with him.

How did Hunter's use of the scientific method contribute to medical progress?

Hunter's use of the scientific method helped contribute to medical progress in 5 key ways:

• ❖ He experimented on himself to prove that gonorrhoea and syphilis were different diseases by injecting himself with the diseases.
• ❖ He advocated detailed and thorough observation to those he taught.
• ❖ Hunter experimented on patients. Dissections of knees had taught him about aneurysms. He theorised that if he encouraged new blood vessels to develop by restricting the existing ones he would not need to amputate the leg.
• ❖ He tested his theory of aneurysms on animals and then on a patient, who was able to walk out of hospital six weeks later.

How did Hunter's use of specimens contribute to medical progress?

Hunter collected anatomical specimens to experiment on. For example, to study blood flow he used wax to inflate narrow blood vessels.