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Robert Liston (1794-1847) was a Scottish surgeon, educated at Edinburgh where he practiced from 1817-1833, and subsequently at University College, London. Before the introduction of anesthesia, he was considered one of the best British surgeons, with expertise ranging from rhinoplasty to urology. He was the first Professor of Clinical Surgery, the first to perform an operation under modern anesthesia in Europe, and the first to describe a leg splint (Liston’s splint). He was known for his dexterity with a knife, completing amputations in seconds, an important skill in the era prior to anesthetics.

Medal

Bronze. England. Undated, but post 1848. Signed. Posthumous. Established by his friends and admirers after his death, Gold medal given annually for achievements and original observations in surgery by the University College of London.

Size

43 mm

Artist

Leonard Charles Wyon (1826-1891), British medallist Leonard Charles Wyon (1826-1891), British medallist and coin engraver. He is best known for the British military and naval medals. He also designed most of the currency of the British Empire; very prolific. (Forrer 5, 592)

Obverse

Nude head to left; in a curve at left and right, ROBERTUS LISTON; on truncation, L.C. WYON; in a curve below, NAT: 1794 OB:1847

Reverse

Crossed branches above and a single branch below, in the field, CLINICES / CHIRURGICAE / INTER ALUMNOS / COLL: UNIV: LOND: / PERITISSIMO. in five parallel lines.

Edge

Number 669 incused.

Ref

Storer 2224

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