Descriptions

John Patch Senior (1691-1746) was a surgeon in Exeter in the early 1700s. He worked as senior surgeon at the newly opened Exeter and Devon Hospital in Southernhay. His son, John Patch Junior, was also a surgeon and worked alongside him at the hospital, being appointed at the tender age of 18.
In this portrait Patch is shown with a preserved specimen of a human arm. In the 18th century specimens like this one played an important role in how surgeons learnt their trade.


This object is on display at RAMM in the Making History gallery.