Susequently TransportedOr, Barber-Surgeons, Proto-Cadavers, and Others Graciously Pleased

"The association of Barbers and Surgeons goes back to the early Middle Ages when the practice of both medicine and surgery was carried out almost entirely by men who were in Holy Orders... A priest who had shed blood was officially debarred from the higher offices of the Church and a Papal Decree ordered the clergy not to undertake any surgery and this was reinforced by the Tenth Lateran Council in 1215. Thus surgical treatment came to be carried out in monasteries by those not in Holy Orders and as the barbers were accustomed to the use of the razor they were called upon to carry out any surgical treatment which involved cutting the skin, at first probably doing this under the supervision of the priests. From the monasteries the knowledge of surgery gradually spread to barbers outside and particularly in time of war there was a demand for barbers with experience in the treatment of wounds to accompany the armies."

"In 1307 it was ordered ‘that no Barbers shall be so bold or so hardy as to put blood in their windows, openly or in view of folks, but let them have it privily carried unto the Thames, under pain of paying two shillings to the use of the Sherriffs’. This needed frequent reminders for in 1566 the ordinances stated ‘that none lett blood stand to the annoyance of the people’; and in the Charter of 1605 that ‘No persons to shew his porringers or basons with blood therein.’"

"If at an assembly a member did not keep silence when told to do so by the Master or a Warden he was liable to a fine of 20d. Anyone who did not respect the order of priority in processions according to the beadle’s Roll was fined 12d."

"On the reverse the fine Anatomical Theatre of the Company built by Inigo Jones with a Body dissected on the Table and a proper inscription expressing the Intention and Motive for establishing the same."

"The most notable instance of this kind occurred in 1740 when William Duell, aged 16 years, was hanged on 24 November for rape, robbery and murder and while being prepared for dissection was found to be still living. He recovered fully within two hours and was returned to Newgate Prison and subsequently transported."