Granville Sharp Pattison

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Granville Sharpe Pattison by John Sartain, c. 1832, mezzotint on paper, from the National Portrait Gallery - NPG-NPG 86 60

Granville Sharp Pattison (1791 – 1851) was a Scottish anatomist and surgeon known for his contributions to medical education and his involvement in several controversies during his career.

Early Life and Education

Granville Sharp Pattison was born in Kelso, Scotland in 1791. He studied medicine at the University of Glasgow, where he developed a keen interest in anatomy. Pattison was influenced by the work of prominent anatomists of the time, including John Bell and Charles Bell.

Career

Pattison began his career as a lecturer in anatomy at the University of Glasgow. His dynamic teaching style and innovative methods quickly gained him a reputation as an excellent educator. However, his career in Glasgow was marred by controversy when he was accused of body snatching, a common but illegal practice at the time to obtain cadavers for anatomical study. Although he was never convicted, the scandal forced him to leave Scotland.

Move to the United States

In 1818, Pattison emigrated to the United States and took up a position as a professor of anatomy at the University of Maryland. His tenure there was also controversial, as he clashed with colleagues and faced accusations of professional misconduct. Despite these challenges, Pattison made significant contributions to the field of anatomy and medical education in the United States.

Later Career

After leaving the University of Maryland, Pattison held various positions, including a professorship at the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He continued to be an influential figure in medical education, known for his detailed anatomical lectures and publications.

Contributions to Medicine

Pattison's work in anatomy helped to advance the understanding of human anatomy and surgical techniques. He published several important texts and was known for his detailed anatomical drawings. His contributions laid the groundwork for future developments in the field.

Personal Life

Granville Sharp Pattison was married and had several children. He remained active in the medical community until his death in 1851.

Legacy

Despite the controversies that surrounded his career, Pattison is remembered as a pioneering anatomist and educator. His work influenced many future surgeons and anatomists, and his contributions to medical education are still recognized today.

See Also

• Anatomy
• University of Glasgow
• University of Maryland, Baltimore
• Jefferson Medical College
• Body snatching