Bartholomew Mosse

Bartholomew Mosse

Name	Bartholomew Mosse
Birth name
Birth date	1712
Birth place	Maryborough, Ireland
Death date	16 February 1759
Death place	Dublin, Ireland
Alma mater
Occupation	Surgeon, Philanthropist
Years active
Organization
Known for	Founding the Rotunda Hospital
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Bartholomew Mosse (1712 – 16 February 1759) was an Irish surgeon and philanthropist, renowned for founding the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, one of the oldest continuously operating maternity hospitals in the world. His work significantly advanced maternal and infant care in Ireland during the 18th century.

Early Life and Education

Bartholomew Mosse was born in 1712 in Maryborough, now known as Portlaoise, in County Laois, Ireland. He was the son of a clergyman and received his early education locally. Mosse pursued medical studies in Dublin, where he trained as a surgeon. His medical education was typical of the time, involving apprenticeships and practical experience rather than formal university degrees.

Medical Career

Mosse began his medical career as a surgeon in Dublin. He quickly became aware of the high mortality rates among women and infants during childbirth, which was a significant public health issue in 18th-century Ireland. Motivated by a desire to improve maternal care, Mosse dedicated himself to establishing a specialized maternity hospital.

Founding of the Rotunda Hospital

In 1745, Mosse opened the "Lying-In Hospital" in George's Lane, Dublin, which was the precursor to the Rotunda Hospital. His vision was to create a facility that provided safe and hygienic conditions for childbirth, which was revolutionary at the time. To fund the hospital, Mosse organized public concerts and theatrical performances, a novel approach to fundraising that engaged the community and raised awareness about maternal health.

In 1757, the hospital moved to a new building designed by architect Richard Cassels, located at the top of Sackville Street (now O'Connell Street). This new facility, known as the Rotunda Hospital, featured a grand rotunda, which gave the hospital its name. The Rotunda Hospital became a model for maternity care and was instrumental in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Dublin.

Legacy

Bartholomew Mosse's contributions to medicine and public health were profound. The Rotunda Hospital set new standards for maternity care and inspired similar institutions across Europe. Mosse's innovative fundraising methods and commitment to public health left a lasting impact on the medical community.

Mosse passed away on 16 February 1759, but his legacy lives on through the continued operation of the Rotunda Hospital, which remains a leading maternity hospital in Ireland.

Also see

• Rotunda Hospital
• History of medicine in Ireland
• 18th-century medicine
• Maternal health