Abernethy, John

John (1764-1831), an eminent English surgeon. A native of London. Surgeon of St. Bartholomew's hospital. He was a skillful operator and became so famous for lectures on anatomy and surgery that the authorities found it necessary to build him a large lecture room. He was a brilliant, witty speaker, kindhearted but blunt. A characteristic anecdote runs to the effect that he gave a rich patient a sure cure for the gout: "Live on sixpence a day and earn it." See Surgery