BRIEF MEMOIR OF SIR WILLIAM BLIZARD, KNT. F. R. S. L. & E. SURGEON AND VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE READ BEFORE THE HUNTERIAN SOCIETY, OCTOBER 7th, 1835, WITH ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS OF HIS LIFE AND WRITINGS. BY WILLIAM COOKE, MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS, SECRETARY TO THE HUNTERIAN SOCIETY, 1835. London: LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, & CO. WHOSE AMICABLE MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS HAVE GREATLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE DIFFUSION OF PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE AMONG THEMSELVES, AND TO THE BENEFIT OF SOCIETY: THIS MEMOIR OF A MOST DISTINGUISHED MEMBER, IS INSCRIBED WITH FEELINGS OF UNDISSEMBLED RESPECT, BY THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. In the preliminary remarks, I have given an explanation of the reason for addressing the Hunterian Society on the decease of Sir William Blizard; and having been connected with this society from its commencement, and having taken an official part in the management of its affairs, every circumstance which has promoted its welfare has been deeply interesting to me. Few societies have proceeded with harmony so undisturbed, whilst the important objects for which it was established have been realized to a degree beyond expectation. It was impossible, therefore, without a departure from all propriety, to permit a man who had been eminently useful in the formation of the society, and in its advances to maturity, to sink into the silence of the sepulchre without a record of his usefulness, and a tribute to his memory. But this of itself would not justify the publication of the Memoir. Sir William had been, in the best sense, a public man. He had gained celebrity as a practitioner in surgery, one of the most important departments of human labour, and had been instrumental, in various ways, to the advancement of its interests. He had identified himself with many public charities well deserving the best efforts of an enlightened mind and a compassionate heart, and had evinced great philanthropy. His character had been adorned with |