Surgeon Royal Navy 1755

[katefarr]

Hi

I would really appreciate some help with the following query.

I am trying to trace the family of an Ancestor Thomas Warren, he was a Surgeon in the Royal Navy 1755-1795.  I have quite a bit of information about his career but still no indication of his family or age.  I thought I might have a better indication of his age if I understood his education better.

My query is:

I know he passed his examinations of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in Aug 1755.

How many years would it have taken to pass these examinations and what would age of entry to such an educational institution as this one been?

Would he needed to come from a wealthy family or could he have been 'sponsored' by the Royal Navy'?  Perhaps he needed a family member in the Royal Navy ie Father or Uncle?

Would any records still exist as to records of students?

Any other relevant information would also be very much appreciated.  To avoid anyone looking into information I already have, I am only interested in information to do with his education or earlier.  I have also looked into the link of Lambeth Palace list of Medical Licenses and not found him.  Please excuse me if there was another relevant link that I have missed.

Thank you
Kate

[Bosuns Call]

Hi Kate,

If you wish to discover as much information as possible about ship's surgeons in the Royal Navy then I suggest getting in touch with the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, and the Royal College of Surgeons, both in London.

The varying skills and qualifications between ship's doctors/surgeons during this time could be vast. Some of them being little more than old fashioned apothecaries or butchers. Depending upon where they trained before taking their examinations, most were doctors rather than physicians.

The most famous surgeon of this period was of course the Irishman William Beatty who dealt with Admiral Lord Nelson aboard HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. Like the majority of surgeons at this time Beatty joined the Royal Navy as a junior surgeon. Rather than going to university for the most part they served an apprenticeship on board ship.

Ship's surgeons were paid a salary depending on experience and line rating of the vessel. They were also paid an allowance for medical equipment and clothing. Their funds were increased if their ship captured any prizes as they received part of the purse of the prize money. A ship's surgeon could live handsomely on his salary but of course like all the other serving men was liable to suffer penury during times of peace. Granted they wouldn't be reduced to polishing shoes outside St. James' Park but they would fall on harder times like the rest. Surgeons were classed as officers but they were warranted by ships Masters and Captains. With a ship's Commander choosing her own surgeon much depended on his class of ship and home much allowance had been put aside to warrant the level of surgeon to employ.

Surgeons need not come from a wealthy background if serving an apprenticeship but they would still need to be a person of some substance and social standing. An initial investment in the early years would be required but more so the personal vouching of reputation was more important. A family tie with the Royal Navy would be beneficial but a farmer/land owner's son may equally be entitled to join if the family had 'connections'.

During battles for the most part they would be carrying out amputations. Most seamen suffered horrific injuries from wood splinters rather than actual ball or shot due to the severity of the fractures resulting in amputations. On a ship of the line, a ship's surgeon would have surgeon's mates to aid them during battle with loblolly boys cleaning up the mess.

Apprentice and junior surgeons could embark on ships from about 18 years of age from when I believe they would have begun their barber-surgeon examinations. I would assume that the Royal College of Surgeons would have kept a recording of the examinations? I apologise if I have informed you of information you already know but a lot of training and experience was gained while at sea, so the importance of knowing the structure of the Royal Navy during this period is paramount.

Best wishes,

Bosuns Call

[katefarr]

Hi Bosuns Call

Thank you so much for all this information, it is fantastic.  I must plead complete ignorance when it comes to 18th century surgeons, comparing them to todays standards, so this detail is just great.  I have a much better incite now thanks to you.

Again Thank you

Kate

[Bosuns Call]

Hi Kate,

You're most welcome. If you wish to get a feel of this period for the Royal Navy may I suggest getting hold of a copy of 'Authentic Narrative of the Death of Lord Nelson' by Victory's surgeon William Beatty. Thankfully it is still being published today and at an affordable price in paperback.

Best wishes,

Bosuns Call