James Paget

James Paget 1870

James Paget 1881

James Paget, Vanity Fair, 1876-02-12

James Paget (1814–1899) was an English surgeon and pathologist who is best remembered for his discovery of Paget's disease of the bone. He made significant contributions to the medical field, particularly in the study of pathology, anatomy, and surgery. Paget's work laid the foundation for modern medical pathology and his teachings and publications have had a lasting impact on the medical profession.

Early Life and Education

James Paget was born on January 11, 1814, in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England. He was one of the 16 children of Samuel Paget, a brewer, and his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Paget. James Paget showed an early interest in the natural sciences and medicine. He began his medical studies at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London in 1834, where he was an outstanding student. He completed his medical degree at the University of London, graduating in 1836.

Career

After completing his studies, Paget worked at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, where he served in various capacities, including as a surgeon. He was appointed as a lecturer in anatomy at the hospital's medical school in 1843. Paget's interest in pathological anatomy was instrumental in establishing it as a separate scientific discipline. He was known for his meticulous observations and detailed recording of case histories, which contributed significantly to the understanding of disease processes.

In 1851, Paget was appointed as a surgeon at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, a position he held for 26 years. During his tenure, he made several important medical discoveries. Among his most notable contributions was the identification of Paget's disease of the bone in 1877, a chronic disorder that results in the enlargement and deformation of bones. He also described Paget's disease of the breast, a rare form of breast cancer, in 1874.

Contributions to Medicine

Paget's contributions to medicine extend beyond his discoveries of diseases. He was a pioneer in the study of microscopic pathology and stressed the importance of pathological anatomy in understanding diseases. He published numerous articles and books on surgical pathology and was a sought-after lecturer. His most famous work, "Lectures on Surgical Pathology," published in 1853, was based on his lectures at St. Bartholomew's Hospital and remained a standard textbook for many years.

Paget was also instrumental in the development of the antiseptic surgical methods pioneered by Joseph Lister, recognizing early on the importance of antiseptics in surgery to prevent infection. He was a strong advocate for the adoption of antiseptic procedures in surgical practices, which significantly reduced the mortality rate from surgical infections.

Later Life and Legacy

James Paget retired from St. Bartholomew's Hospital in 1877 but continued to be active in the medical community. He received numerous honors for his contributions to medicine, including being made a baronet in 1887. Paget died on December 30, 1899, in London.

Paget's legacy in medicine is profound. His work in pathology and surgery has had a lasting impact, and he is regarded as one of the founding figures of modern medical pathology. The diseases named after him, Paget's disease of the bone and Paget's disease of the breast, continue to be studied, and his contributions to the understanding and treatment of these diseases remain relevant.

See Also

• Pathology
• Surgery
• Antiseptic
• Joseph Lister