The Chamberlens and the midwifery forceps : memorials of the family and an essay on the invention of the instrument / by J. H. Aveling, M.D. F.S.A.

  • Aveling, J. H. (James Hobson), 1828-1892.
Date:
1882
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The Chamberlens and the midwifery forceps : memorials of the family and an essay on the invention of the instrument / by J. H. Aveling, M.D. F.S.A. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    Censors, but did not come. He is then called “ Petrus Chamberlaine Senior habitans in Marke Lane.” Being again cited the same month and year, he did appear, and was accused “ de praxi medica illicita et mala,” and for both offences was fined forty shillings. In January, 1610, he was again cited, but did not appear. In March he did appear, and prayed that his fine of forty shillings might be reduced to twenty, which was granted. In October he was again cited, but did not come. In 1612 he was again before the College, accused of practising medicine, “ being demanded if he gave not phisicke to one Mrs. Miller in my Lo. Mayor’s house he gave her a drinke for 3 dayes to dry up a moisture which he supposed came from her backe: the drink he also made himselfe aq® § ij salsae lb ij aq. liq § i sassafras § i betonie M. j decocq. ad consumpt. medict. cap. bis in die ad § iij. pro dosi, he conceaved they wear the whits because he sawe yellow staynings uppon the clothe.” It was unanimously agreed that he had given the medicine wrongly, and his practice was condemned. This occurred on the 13th November, and it is evident that a warrant was signed for his apprehension and removal to Newgate prison, for on the 17th a meeting took place at the College to consider the imprisonment and release of “ Peter Cham- berlen Surgeon senior.” To understand this perfectly, it is necessary to remember that although physicians might practise surgery, surgeons might not practise physic. In a charter granting privileges to the College of Physicians, 32 Hen. VIII., clause 3 runs as follows :—“ Forasmuch as the science of physick doth comprehend, include and contain the knowledge of Surgery as a special member and part of the same there- fore be it enacted that any of the said Company or fellow- ship of Physicians may &c. practise and exercise the said science of Physick in all and every his members and parts.”