Bankart, James (1834-1902), surgeon and ophthalmologist

Papers (1838-late 19th century) relating to the career of James Bankart, surgeon and ophthalmologist, including an ophthalmic prescriptions book, account books, and case histories compiled during work for the Mines Commission, 1862.

Mid 19th century - late 19th century

1 box

A. Personal Papers, 1838-late 19th century

B. Account Books, 1848-1867

C. Ophthalmic Material, 1875

D. Mines Commission Work, 1862

06/11/2008

James Bankart received his medical training at Guy's Hospital Medical School, London, obtaining the M.B. in 1861 as well as the Scholarship and Gold Medal in Surgery, awarded by the University of London.

Starting as a House Surgeon at Guy's Hospital up to 1860, Bankart was later appointed Surgical Registrar and Demonstrator (later Senior Demonstrator) of Anatomy until 1869. His testimonials (see PP/JBA/A/1) indicate that he applied for a post in the Eye Infirmary at Guy's as Assistant Surgeon in 1861.

He held an additional post as a surgeon at the Metropolitan Free Hospital from 1866 to 1869.

In 1869 Bankart left London and settled in Exeter. In 1870 he was appointed Registrar to the West of England Eye Infirmary and Surgeon in 1872. At the end of 1871 he was appointed Surgeon to the Devon and Exeter Hospital. Remained in post at the Eye Infirmary until his death but due to the age limit had to retire from the Devon and Exter Hospital in 1895 thereafter becaming a Consulting Surgeon as well as Governor of the hospital. His Medical Directory entries indicate that he was also a Consulting Surgeon at the Exeter Dental Hospital.

Bankart became a Member of the Royal College of Surgeon of England in 1858 and a Fellow in 1862. He was made a Licenciate of the Society of Apothecaries in 1859.

Associated with the Anatomy Department of Guy's Hospital for several years, Bankart was known as an excellent anatomist, experienced surgeon and a distinguished eye surgeon. He was Vice President of the Ophthalmic Society, 1890-1983.

In 1862 James Bankart was engaged by the Government to report on diseases of miners in Cornwall and Devonshire and published a 'Report on the Diseases of the Miners of Cornwall and Devonshire to Metalliferous Mines Commission' 1862 (see section D).

Bankart published and contributed to several papers during his career. He was sole author of 'On the Functions of the Buccal Branch of the Fifth Nerve Journal of Anatomy1868, and 'The Recognised Provincial Hospitals as Affected by the Rules of the Examing Board of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of London' BMJ1886.

He died on 31st October 1902 aged 68 leaving a widow and 5 children.

Sources and further reading: BMJ 1902 Vol.2 obituaries p.1683. Also an obituary in Guy's Hospital Gazette Vol.16, p.462, entry in Plarr's Lives of the Fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Material also held by King's College London Archives: 1 photo album belonging to James Bankart containing photographs of staff of Guy's Hospital, 1863. Material also at Guy's Hospital Medical School archive