Herbert Snow

British surgeon and anti-vivisectionist

Herbert Snow in 1921

Herbert Snow (1847–1930) was a prominent British surgeon and a noted anti-vivisectionist. He was known for his contributions to the field of oncology and his advocacy against the use of animals in medical research.

Early Life and Education

Herbert Snow was born in 1847 in London, England. He pursued his medical education at University College London, where he developed a keen interest in surgery and the emerging field of oncology. Snow was influenced by the medical practices of the time and sought to improve the treatment of cancer patients.

Medical Career

Snow began his medical career at the London Hospital, where he quickly gained a reputation for his surgical skills. He was particularly interested in the treatment of cancer, a disease that was poorly understood at the time. Snow advocated for early surgical intervention and was one of the first to suggest that cancer could be treated more effectively if detected early.

Contributions to Oncology

Herbert Snow made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of cancer. He was a proponent of radical surgery, believing that removing the tumor and surrounding tissue could prevent the spread of the disease. Snow's work laid the foundation for modern surgical oncology, and he published several papers on the subject, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Anti-Vivisection Advocacy

In addition to his medical work, Snow was a passionate advocate against vivisection, the practice of performing operations on live animals for scientific research. He believed that vivisection was not only cruel but also scientifically flawed, arguing that results obtained from animal experiments were not always applicable to humans. Snow was an active member of the anti-vivisection movement in Britain and worked to promote alternative methods of research that did not involve animals.

Later Life and Legacy

Herbert Snow continued to work as a surgeon and advocate for humane medical practices until his retirement. He passed away in 1930, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and innovation in the field of medicine. Snow's work in oncology and his ethical stance on animal research continue to influence medical professionals and researchers today.

Related Pages

• Oncology
• Vivisection
• History of cancer treatment
• Animal rights