Thomas Parker (1762-1854)

Thomas Parker (1762-1854) Surgeon of Woburn & Aspley Guise

Thomas Parker was born in Bedford in 1762. He became a prominent and well-respected surgeon of his time in Woburn and later Aspley Guise. On his death in 1854, aged 92, a speech detailing his life was read to the Bedfordshire Medical Association at their Ampthill meeting by a Mr. H. Veasey. This was received so well that it was later printed up into small 20-page books in Woburn by the local stationers, Dodd & Peeling. Thanks to Google Books, I have reproduced that text at the end of this article.

Thomas attended Sir William Harpur’s Grammar School in Bedford. His uncle was Dr John Parker, also of  Bedford, who seems to have kindled his interest in medicine and surgery. When old enough, Parker was sent to work for Mr. Filkes, the Surgeon and Apothecary (chemist) at Woburn and then studied medicine and surgery at Guys’, St. Thomas’ and St. Georges’ Hospitals in London.

Northampton Mercury, 10^th  November 1777 – Perhaps the Parker family acted on this advert.

Once fully medically trained, he returned to work with his uncle in Bedford. He was married on 7^th April 1787 to Elizabeth Rogers in Islington. This was performed under a special “Vicars Licence”. Thomas, noted as of St. Pauls, Bedford, aged “of 21 years and upwards”, married Elizabeth Rogers of St. Mary’s, Islington, who was 18. She had to have consent of her father John as she was considered a minor. A marriage by Vicar’s Licence was a way for a couple to marry in the Church of England without the usual public reading of Banns and was often used to marry quickly or privately. A daughter, Ann, was born in February 1788. Parker took on an apprentice in Bedford, George Aveling, in October 1788.

He then went back to join Mr. Filkes of Woburn again, taking on the ‘Country Practice’. Filkes had previously been in a business partnership with a Mr. Egerton which was now dissolved.

Northampton Mercury, 4^th April 1789 – Moving his practice from Bedford to rejoin Filkes at Woburn.

He and Elizabeth had another nine children whilst living in Woburn:- Elizabeth born June 1790, Martha in December 1791, Catherine in November 1793, Mary in April 1794 (possibly died 1797), Thomas in January 1797, Richard in September 1798, Jane in March 1800, Charlotte in March 1802 and John in February 1805.

Thomas took on another apprentice in 1791, one William Stone, but by 1794, he was looking for a replacement.

Northampton Mercury, 15^th November 1794.

Parker published his research on “Practical Treatise on Fever contrasting a Tonic treatment with the Antiphlogistic” in 1796, which describes how he recommended treating fevers with Cinchona (quinine) and Port – no wonder he was popular!

Title page from Parker’s 1796 book. Courtesy of Archive.org

After giving a description of the common symptoms, existing remedies and suggested treatments, he outlined several cases of fever that he had dealt with. Some of his patients were anonymous but for others he gave the names and villages they came from. Thus we know the first case described is that of “Mr. W____ of Woburn, a healthy young man, on his return from London to this place..” who was treated but still died on 29^th August 1790. From the Woburn Parish Register, it was likely to have been the John Wells who was buried on August 31^st that year. Then “Mr. A. M____ of Woburn”, who also died of his fever, but no date is given so he is impossible to identify. John Cook was treated with “half a drachm of Cinchona in an almond emulsion with a few drops of vitriolic acid… [sulfuric acid – not recommended! Ed.] and half a wine-glass of red port every hour and as much good broth and milk porridge as he chose.” Despite the dubious medicine, Cook recovered. Cook’s sister was the next patient treated, who also survived. Elizabeth Fosgate, aged 50, of (Husborne?) Crawley was treated and recovered, the son of Thomas Smith, aged 10, of the same village, recovered too. He describes treating J. Townsend, aged 12 or 14, a stable lad of the Duke of Bedford, who he says got better after having a bottle of port at the rate of a glass an hour! “Mr. Bunker of Woburn, a young man between 20 and 30” was treated and recovered, but W. Botsford, a pauper of Ridgmont, treated with port, quinine and Vitriolic acid, died.  The book ends with a two-page supplement describing how he treated two children under 12, who had Scarlet Fever, with Maderia instead of Port, mixed with the other medicines. They were given a pint and a half in 24 hours – and survived.

Job Circuitt started with him as another apprentice in 1798. As an example of what kinds of operations the Woburn surgeons might be asked to perform, the following appeared in the periodical “Porcupine” on 23^rd September 1801:

“Last Thursday morning as Mr. Runciman of Birchmore-house, near Woburn, Bedfordshire, was putting a gun into a bag, he shook it to get it in, and his man, having been entrusted with it to shoot a dog, he had imprudently left it cocked; it went off, when the muzzle was close to his left foot, which was mangled in a most shocking manner. In this dreadful state he had the fortitude to ride to Woburn on horseback, to a Surgeon, when he was obliged to undergo an amputation of his great toe and the adjoining one, which was performed by Mr. FILKES. We are happy to state he is now in a fair way of doing well.”

At a time with few anaesthetics and no antibiotics, such an injury could lead to a prolonged and painful death. When  Francis Russell, 5^th Duke of Bedford, was taken ill from a coughing fit, having just finished a game of tennis, in March 1802, Parker was swiftly sent for. The Duke’s condition was so grave that Parker sent for another physician, Dr. Kerr of Northampton, as well as a range of London doctors, but the Duke could not be saved. A Thomas Parker of Woburn was a witness to the Duke’s Last Will & Testament – no doubt this was the good surgeon too.

Despite his printed memorial saying how well and generously he treated the poor, he also (unsuccessfully) chased the Woburn Overseers for payment after he had treated an accident victim. From the Northampton Mercury, 13^th August 1808.

“The following causes were tried at Bedford assizes before the Right Hon. Lord Mansfield.
Parker, surgeon, Woburn, v. the Overseers of the same place. It appeared on the evidence, that about Christmas the year 1806, the coachman of the Chester Mail was thrown from the coach, and fractured his right arm most dreadfully. It was about a mile from the town, and near two o’clock the morning. The poor man was brought to Mr. Parker’s house (who had been previously called up by some of the passengers, where he remained till proper applications, &c. were made to the fractured arm; after which he was taken to a public-house in the neighbourhood, where he continued some time, and then removed to other lodgings, during the whole of which time he was regularly attended by the plaintiff, whose bill for medicines was £24 18s. 6d.; this amount it was he sought to recover*. The learned counsel on both sides argued ably for their clients. Plaintiff nonsuited.”  

(* Nearly £2000 in 2025, according to the Bank of England inflation calculator.)

His original Master and then business partner, Richard Filkes, died aged 72 in 1809. His obituary in the Northampton Mercury of 1^st July says he had been retired for several years, but had been “esteemed eminent, and was universally respected.”

When his eldest daughter married Charles Veasey esq., of Huntingdon, in December 1813, she was named as Ann, which is not one of the names appearing in baptismal records at Woburn, but this could have been a middle name.

The date of Thomas’ transfer from Woburn to Aspley Guise is recorded in the book below as 1818, when he was 66 and had had a house built there on his own land, evidenced by his selling his trying to sell his business in Woburn:

Northampton Mercury, 12^th September 1818 – Parker’s business in Woburn for sale.

He appears in the 1839 Kellys Directory entry of Woburn and surrounding villages as a Surgeon of Aspley Guise, whilst his namesake son had followed him into the same profession and had also become a surgeon, living at no.18 Bedford Street, Woburn.  Perhaps he hadn’t been able to sell up after all.

Thomas Parker snr. is captured by the first detailed census of 1841 living in Aspley Guise. No specific address was entered by the enumerator, but his details appear as the last entry under “Aspley Guise” before “Woburn Sands” begins to be used for the residences on West Hill. His imposing house was (only later it seems) known as “Nether Hall” or “Netherhill House”, which still stands as No.47 West Hill and now used as apartments. [The house has also been the Aspley Guise home of Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine before they moved on to Wavendon and created the Stables Theatre.]

Nether Hall or Netherhill House, no.47 West Hill, Aspley Guise. (2009 – Google Streetview)

In the 1841 census, the ages of respondents were often rounded down to the nearest 5-years, so his household was listed as:

Thomas Parker, 75, Surgeon, born in County.
Elisabeth Parker, 65, not born in County.
Mary Parker, 35, born in County.
Jane Parker, 35, born in County.
Charlotte Parker, 30, born in County.
Catherin Thornton, 40, born in County.
Elizth Cain, 45, female servant, born in County.
Mary Perry, 20 female servant, born in County.
John Phillips, 25, male servant, born in County.
James Henley, 30, male servant, born in County.
John Wilson, 25, farmer, born in County.
Maria Wilson, 20, born in County.

He had an important role in the 1842 Ridgmont Poisoning Case, when Ann Lee, 40, was charged with the wilful murder of Mary-Ann Crouch. Ann was the cook in the household of farmer Abraham Wing Crouch. His sister, Mary-Ann, was visiting from Cainhoe, along with other family and friends, when several members of the household and guests became very ill. Suspicion soon fell on Ann as she had recently been told to leave her job but was still working her notice. Some arsenic used to kill mice was in the house. Parker was called and treated the ill ladies as best he could, but Mary-Ann Crouch died. He tested a cake that Ann had assisted in making, giving some to a kitten and a bird, both of which died. Yet after quite damning evidence, the Jury brought Ann back Not Guilty after a three-hour speech by her defence attorney.

At the death of Thomas’ brother, Richard, in Bedford in January 1846, the Beds. Times obituary of him stated that Thomas had been described in the Gentleman’s Magazine of November 1844 as “This gentleman is nearly, if not quite, the “father of the medical men in this county; enjoying in viridi senectute, the respect, for his talent and humanity, of all descriptions of men.” The newspaper then added that Thomas’ “career of usefulnes is likely to be much prolonged, partly owing to an equitable mind, and temperate, though by no means ascetic, habits.”  [N.B. I have been unable to find the original article in online versions of the Gentleman’s Magazine. Ed.]

Parker was called to Court for the trial of William Bennett junr., of Lewsey Farm, near Luton, when he was charged with manslaughter after the death of William Hobbs. Hobbs had been drinking at Woburn in December 1843 at a stock sale. Several witnesses say they saw a group of men, including Bennett, mistreating him after Hobbs had been sick over Bennett in the refreshments room. They struck him down with whips several times and then pushed him over a wall near Park Farm, where he landed on his head. For their part, the men said they were trying to help him home to Toddington. Hobbs had been taken to the surgeon for Woburn, who was then Henry Veasey, Thomas’ grandson. Veasey arranged for Hobbs to be housed in the Woburn workhouse as he thought little could be done to save man – he was so badly injured and indeed Hobbs died the next day. Veasey examined the body and found he had a broken neck. Thomas had attended the autopsy too and corroborated what Veasy said. The Jury found Bennett Guilty, but recommended him to mercy.  He was sentenced to One Calendar Month at Hard Labour.

At the next census of 1851 “West Street” was given as his address, when, from the text below, he was still operating at the age of 89, without enhancing his eyesight – amazing for someone who seemed to have specialised in ophthalmic (eye) surgery. His household was then:

Thomas Parker, 89, widower, Surgeon General Practitioner, born in Bedford.
Catherine Thornton, daughter, widow, 57, born in Woburn.
Mary Parker, daughter, 53, born Woburn.
Jane Parker, daughter, 51, born Woburn.
Charlotte Parker, daughter, 49, born Woburn.
Kate Wilson, visitor, 30, born Ampthill.
Eleanor Cunnington, servant cook, widow, 50, born Rutland, Uppingham.
Susan Inwood, servant housemaid, 23, born Wavendon.
Thomas W. Parker, grandson, 4, born Leintwardine, Herefordshire.

His wife, Elizabeth, had died exactly a week before this census was taken, aged 82, according to the Cambridge Independent Press ‘Deaths’ column entry and her gravestone, but only 65 according to the Beds. Times! Thomas Parker lived another three years before he too died, on the 9^th September 1854. His obituary appeared in the Bedfordshire Times on 16^th September:

“Aspley. Died, on the 9^th instant in his 94^th year, Thomas Parker, Esq., surgeon, of Aspley, and formerly of Woburn, Beds, and native of Bedford. Mr. Parker’s well known provincial estimation has been confirmed by high names in London, and he enjoyed the confidence of the late Duke and Duchess of Bedford. He was one of the best – now lamented! – specimens of a former generation; plain, primitive, sound, of high religious principles, but kind and tolerant; socially – of uncompromising conscience – of sterling and enduring humanity, especially to the poor. “Take him for all in all,” – notwithstanding the general worth of the medical profession – those who esteemed him can scarcely hope to “look upon his like again.”

Died at Aspley Guise, September 9^th, 1854, Thomas Parker, Esq., Surgeon, in his 93^rd year. The time honoured name of Mr. Parker cannot be allowed to pass unnoticed in the obituary of a county wherein his good deeds had been widely diffused to an extent which a long life and untiring energy could alone compass. In St. Peter’s Church, Bedford, is a monument “to the memory of John Parker, M.D., the friend of the afflicted poor, who died May 18, 1809, aged 80 years.” From this bright example, worthily celebrated in his day, was formed the pattern of that long and useful life now brought to a close.

Born at Bedford and educated at the Harper School (with three brothers, one a fellow of New College and formerly rector of St. John’s, the other two long-known in Bedford as intelligent, sober gentleman of the old school), Thomas Parker was apprenticed to Mr. Filkes, of Woburn; and, after creditably pursuing his studies under John Hunter and the masters in surgery of that day, practiced for a short period at Bedford, and afterwards at Woburn, where for many years he possessed the confidence of his neighbours and attained considerable repute as an enterprising and successful surgeon.

Gravestone of Mrs. Rogers, her daughter and her son-in-law, in Woburn churchyard.

Respected of all for integrity of character, simplicity in habits and pure benevolence, it was Mr. Parker’s lot also to possess the affections of many among his patients and to live in the hearts of those poorer friends who never sought succour in vain at his hands. Nor would we fail to mention that the amicable lady, associated in all the charitable acts with her loving and beloved husband for more than 60 years of wedded life, the letter portion of which was passed at Aspley where Mr. Parker had built him a house, in the purpose to retire from arduous duty to rural quiet. Little, however, did a sphere of inaction accord with the character of one accustomed to a daily round of useful and honourable duty; and for many years the experienced head and skilful hand was sought from far and near, even till the extreme of old age rendered repose essential.

The serene and placid temperament, which had ever attested the fruits of a christian walk, shed its softening influence over the last declining years of this venerable man with peculiar lustre, enabling him to share in others’ joy and lighten their anxieties by counsel and encouragement. Thus, sinking gradually beneath this temporal horizon, surrounded by a numerous family and supported by humble but assured affiance in the boundless mercies and merits of his God and Savior, the light which had been trimmed with such good heed to shine before men during 93 years, was at length enshrouded in death’s thick darkness, to be reilluminated by the brightness of eternal day.”

Someone else saw fit to memorialise him – Bedfordshire Archives hold a “Silhouette in attractive period frame of Thomas Parker, Esq., Surgeon & Apothecary at Aspley Guise & Woburn Beds.” [Z 251/339] I have traced their image below:

It seems his property and wealth was shared out between his children and grandchildren. After his death, Henry Veasey was appointed as the medical officer for the parish of Wavendon at a salary of £20 in the place of Thomas Parker, who had received the same salary. [National Archives: MH 12/489/359 & MH 12/491/268 – Newport Pagnell Poor Law Union papers]

His will is available from the National Archives. [TNA: PROB-11-2199-393]

—–

This is the printed memorial memoir, written by his grandson, Henry Veasey:

A Memoir
OF THE LATE
THOMAS PARKER, ESQ.,
SURGEON & APOTHECARY,
AT
ASPLEY GUISE, AND WOBURN, BEDS.
Read before the Members and printed by request
OF THE BEDS. MEDICAL ASSOCIATION,
Assembled at Ampthill, Oct 10, 1854.
WOBURN: PRINTED BY DODD AND PEELING, BEDFORD STREET.
ΤΟ
PARIS THOMAS DICK ESQ., M.D.,
AND
ISAAC HURST ESQ., F.R.C.S.
AND TO THE BEDFORDSHIRE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION,
This Memoir
OF A BELOVED AND VENERATED GRAND SIRE
IS HUMBLY DEDICATED
(IN THE SINCERE WISH THAT A GREEN OLD AGE MAY EQUALLY CROWN THEIR WORTH WITH HONOR AND FELICITY)
BY A FOLLOWER OF GOOD MEN,
THEIR FAITHFUL AND DEVOTED SERVANT,
VEASEY.
WOBURN, ST. LUKE’S DAY, 1854.

The pen of the Medical Biographer is so rarely exercised in reviewing a long life of active duty, expended to its utmost verge in the practice and absorbing interests of our Art, that, were it in this respect only, a brief notice of one truly venerable would seem appropriate; but where the stamp of high character, acknowledged skill, and the noblest services to humanity combine in the same escutcheon, a tribute of commemoration is justly due in honor to the Profession.

In this endeavour to trace the outline of a life remarkable for guileless simplicity, and exemplary in its singleness of purpose, one would reject alike the deep colours of eventful incident and the lighter tints of amusing anecdote. More appropriate would it seem to pourtray the features of a fully developed character, refined into greater purity and confirmed in constancy of faith, by the aid of reflected light shed athwart life’s outspread field from earliest childhood, slightly blended with the passing shadows of some fellow pilgrims, whose distant forms naturally fall into one lengthening image through the dim twilight of their far off horizon.

When now already passed the meridian of this present century, we cannot fail to experience some degree of awe upon the mind while reverting to a period nearly equi-distant in its predecessor; from whence we may trace onward that career which has extended in freshness and vigour even to the fading season of a present year.

Just as those gnarled oaks, whose leaves fall thick around us, were acorns once, yet riven now, and feeble at the core, link in their venerable forms the present with its past, telling of sunshine, shower, and wintry storm; so stand in sober grandeur, amid the flush of life and this world’s bustling scene, some few serene and elevated characters, in well attempered spirit reflecting the softer hues of many a chequered scene in life’s past history, – now taught to culminate in one silvery ray subduing all beneath its quiet dignity and calm repose.

Beautiful Thrice Beautiful life’s evening gray,
The hopeful promise of a glorious day.

THOMAS PARKER, born at Bedford, January 20^th, AD 1762, was early imbued with the elements of a sound classical and polite education in Sir William Harpur’s Grammar School; while that higher training to a christian walk, so consistently maintained unto his life’s end, was conducted under the Parental roof and carefully tended by a pious Mother.

An early admiration of the noble Science, worthily represented in the humane and accomplished character of Doctor Parker, at that time eminently esteemed as a Physician at Bedford, naturally grew out of such example, and germinated in its kindred soil until the youthful Esculapius was ultimately developed and entrusted to the friendly care of Mr. Filkes, a Surgeon and Apothecary at Woburn.

In the characters and deportment of these his early Masters may be traced some foreshadowing of that primitive style in dress, and correct attention to outward demeanour, which ever marked their Pupil.

Comely and complete in periwig and laced cravat, with coat of formal cut, cocked hat, and gold headed cane, down to his very shoe buckles correct, stepped forth the worthy Doctor; not alone in outward imposing exterior to command respect, but by gentle demeanour and much skill, exercised ever with the utmost humanity, to inspire confidence and win regard:- an ample library of choice books from ancient down to then recent authorities, attest the diligence with which both Medicine and Surgery were cultivated, or at least stores of knowledge accumulated by one who honored his Profession, and earned for himself this epitaph upon the walls of St. Peter’s Church.

TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN PARKER, M.D., THE FRIEND OF THE AFFLICTED POOR, WHO DIED MAY 18, 1809, AGED 80 YEARS.

“When the ear heard him then it blessed him; and when the eye saw him, it gave witness to him: because he delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.” [Job xxix 11 to 16.]

Mr. Filkes was a practitioner well esteemed, of gentlemanly bearing; clad in courtly suit of purest brown, erect beneath his three-cornered hat and snowy wig, he commanded additional respect from having built his own house in a style at that day superior to most around it: for which some credit in architectural skill may yet be accorded.

A disinclination to Surgery left many opportunities for his apprentice to act in cases of emergency; and these were never declined, but eagerly embraced with ardour proportionate to the opposing difficulties. A youth thus thrown upon his own resources and determined to succeed, could scarce fail to acquire much practical skill, and an aptitude of contrivance which never afterwards deserted him. His worthy master was ever revered as a Benefactor and Friend for the kind and judicious discretion cheerfully given to the bent of a willing and zealous pupil, whose mind was by these means early stored with the enduring principles of Cheselden, Pott, Bell, and Cullen

Thus prepared for higher studies, the future surgeon was readily matured by the teaching of a Cline, – contemporaneously with Sir Astley Cooper,- to whom Mr. Parker was Senior, and of whom he was wont to relate, that during their first acquaintance the future star in Surgery was regarded as an idle showy spark, not likely to shine: but that afterwards young Cooper became exemplary for diligence and a determination to distinguish himself. In after years they met at intervals, and maintained a mutual respect for each other’s respective character and abilities. Medicine was then taught at St. Thomas’s by Saunders – a staunch advocate for the Red Peruvian Bark – as may be seen by his Dissertation published in 1782. Anatomy was ably superintended by Haighton, whose kindness, uniformly extended to deserving Students, was specially shewn to one with means more limited than his diligence; one striking proof of which remains, an object of admiration to correct Anatomists, in a perfectly injected Subject – as dissected by the Pupil and preserved with his master’s assistance.

But in the brief term allotted to Hospital studies in those days a diligent enquirer sought to embrace every opportunity of future improvement, such as Pott’s Lectures on Surgery; and in order thoroughly to master the scheme of John Hunter, a regular attendance both at his private Lecture and on occasion of operations at St. George’s. Mr. Hunter was never a lucid expositor of his opinions, and in Lecture especially, delivered without any systematic arrangement, it would be difficult aptly to express novel ideas without becoming involved and often unintelligible. To an earnest and persevering student he was however always accessible, and patient beyond his wont to explain a difficulty; and all who have proved both will admit that the principles of a great Master, from their originality, are more imbibed colloquially than as delivered ex cathedra.

These advantages, so well employed, enabled Mr. Parker in after years to relate the first operation of Tying the Femoral Artery, with every circumstance of interest in the teaching and manner of both the Hunters. So intimate indeed had become the acquaintance of Preceptor and Pupil that John Hunter continued an occasional correspondence for some years, furnishing valuable directions in operative Surgery and the treatment of difficult cases, with expressions of interest honorable to both parties.

Among the Students at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ was one of Mr. Hey’s Sons; and the mutual veneration for that excellent man, then in his zenith at Leeds, naturally drew together two youths thus likeminded in their aspirations after knowledge and virtue.

Who that has passed the dangerous ordeal of Hospital life can refuse to acknowledge the influence exerted by stability of character and a superior moral tone even upon the wavering masses of undisciplined youth, who in the full flush of newly acquired liberty would scoff at the time, yet are compelled eventually to own the superiority of high principle and sound attainments! Friendships, thus formed in mutual assistance of study, and maintained in firm antagonism to vice and frivolity, not only prove inestimably valuable by ministering confidence and strength; but contain also the germ which, working by unity in heart and purpose, will afterwards develop the full growth of respective worth and settled esteem in the shifting scene of busy life.

An early attachment, cherished with constancy and undeviating fondness, soon issued in that happy union with an amiable Wife which was permitted to continue until both were well stricken in years. Mrs. Parker, of a lively and social disposition, inherited tastes which had been well cultivated, and was thus admirably adapted to compensate for that almost exclusive devotion to Professional pursuits which rendered her Spouse indifferent about more trifling concerns.

One Spirit of Charity and consideration for others – especially those in low estate, actuated both alike, and everything domestic and fiscal being entrusted to the Lady, no reckoning was required; nor could any more fitly convey kindness with that delicacy which seems to confess – rather than confer the obligation.

After a few years of practice at Bedford, in friendly conjunction with his uncle, Mr. Parker was induced to forsake the patronage of a beloved relative and other advantages of family connection to embrace the handsome offer made by his revered master at Woburn. A young and increasing family rendered the command of an established Practice peculiarly acceptable; and the advantage of a good name soon made itself apparent in a favourable reception, and that steady increase of confidence reposed by one entire neighbourhood in the professional assiduity and moral integrity of their early and approved attendant.

A wide field of Country Practice could only be compassed in those days of miry roads, by much hard work in the saddle; and for the greater part of his career in practice three long rides was the constant round, besides irregular calls at odd hours; yet when congratulated, in after years, on hale looks and persisting vigour, Mr. Parker could reply, “under Providence I owe my excellent health to being exposed to all weathers at all hours.”

Ever cheerful, with energy rising superior to difficulties, under any accumulation or stress of engagements an exemplary patience never flagged, nor was personal ease in the least considered. It must not, however, be considered that these were mere natural endowments; for a quick and sensitive disposition, an ardent temperament, and manly courage only acquired by self restraint and careful culture that just poise which was admired by all in maturer years. To one whose time was fully occupied and every faculty absorbed in the duties of a noble calling, the purposeless round of ordinary society had no charm; but superior talent and force of character are by such the more esteemed; and men of real mark alone can estimate each other.

With little facility for professional intercourse, segregated from all sources of emulation and that salutary collision of mind with mind which gives the highest polish to its faculties, Country Surgeons will either rust in dull adhesion to their old routine, or, nobly daring, will venture into the contest with disease and death, resolved to strive manfully for the Truth, in sure trust that God will fight for them. Mr. Parker was ever accustomed thus to prove his own weapons, and never shunned to acknowledge himself a Student and Experimentalist in the field of Science, which he delighted to explore, following the steps of nature.

The faculty of observation and habit of independent thought cultivated by Hunter, originated many novel ideas in the treatment of disease, which were always submitted to careful and experimental induction in a pure love of Truth.

The question, now again revolving on the wheel of Time, “Cinchonism in Fever” we find fairly propounded at so early a period as 1796 in “a Practical Treatise on Fever contrasting a Tonic treatment with the Antiphlogistic” – Prefatory to which are these remarks, “I am in the habit of thinking and observing for myself; and though I revere the abilities of other men, yet I cannot accede to any man an opinion taken up after patient enquiry, and where prejudice has had no share. The science of Medicine is founded on observation and experiment: observation naturally impels to experiment in an art like physic; and experiment, while under the closest and severest observation, can never be productive of harm, and may be of a variety of good. This only certain path to practical knowledge has been comparatively little trodden, because it requires a strong and patient application of the mind.”

“It may be necessary to observe that what I have ventured to recommend so strenuously in this Treatise to others, I have myself first experienced the good effects of in a variety of cases.”

The result of these observations is given as follows – “When I began the treatment of fever I adopted the reducing or what is called the Antiphlogistic plan; and I did so because it was recommended by some of the first authorities in Medicine. Although upon a comparison I found that I did not lose more patients than others did, yet I lost many. This necessarily made me dissatisfied with my practice, and desirous of finding out a better, if I could by any means in my power do so.”

“It seems to me impossible that the weakness, so suddenly induced in Fever, can be any other way explained than by supposing that there is produced some change in the state of the brain very different from what takes place in health. This altered condition I apprehend to be a diminished energy of it; and in almost every case, there is superadded a further morbid condition which no term so well expresses as irritability or irregular excitement, with a diminution of power in this organ. A medicine is wanting which can give powers to the Constitution, powers which shall be permanent. In Intermittents Cinchona has this effect In continued Fever, he who waits for what is called Remission, in which state Cinchona has been recommended will be obliged entirely to withhold it. On the contrary he must give it with boldness and with firmness and that too in proportion to the quickness of pulse and to the other symptoms of danger.”

After giving his cases Mr. P. proceeds, “I had now made up my mind as to the superior efficacy of Cinchona and Wine in bad Fevers. Since which I have tried them together in a great number of cases, perhaps in more than would be readily credited, and I am confirmed in my opinion of the superiority that Cinchona and Port possess over every other remedy hitherto prescribed.”

Cold affusion was similarly tested at a period somewhat subsequent, and continued a valuable auxiliary, with free ventilation and fresh linen, when Cinchona was less indiscriminately employed by its early advocate.

Surgery would naturally be expected to offer the chief field, whereon an accurate anatomist, of equal enterprise, might win most distinction: and few Country Surgeons can record more of the capital operations successfully performed, or what is far better, more lives and limbs attesting the value of Conservative Surgery. One such case, in particular, was ever alluded to with considerable satisfaction, because the practice of resection was not yet taught. In these days of near calculation it may be well to instance the liberal recompense of such good services. A considerable portion of the humerus had been successfully excised and a useful labourer thus restored to the great satisfaction of Sir Hugh Hoare, who promptly evinced his sense of merit in a cheque for £30 together with the most handsome expressions in honor of skilful Surgeons for the benefit of our labouring poor and others in country places.

A zealous regard to the dignity of his profession, based upon a strict love of Truth, and a firm independent spirit was apparent on all occasions, and throughout a long career. Actuated by this strong sense of rectitude in purpose and independence in thought and action, Mr. Parker never shrank from freely expressing his opinion, however dissonant to that of others with whom he might be brought in contact: though, at times, painfully conscious that his motives were misinterpreted.

No Friend was ever more true and fair in judgment than the late Dowager Duchess of Bedford, to whose strong mind and quick penetration a firm and energetic character was peculiarly acceptable, and who to the last remembered the birthday of one thus associated with past services rendered in her hour of need. Equally consistent was the confidence reposed in their attendant by successive Dukes of Bedford.

On the Incorporation of the Apothecaries Company Mr. P. immediately took up his freedom, and watched with interest every step towards improvement in Medical Ethics and Education.

In this age of progress when “men run to and fro upon the earth and knowledge is increased,” forward minds may regard with contempt the even tenor of their way held by our ancestors; yet from the same stationary habits and aversion to meddle with those given to change” sprang many of our present bulwarks; and a single hearted patriotism was fostered, in conjunction with the mutual ties and fellowship of ancient neighbourhood, the sound root, indigenous to our soil, from which alone its present stately growth may derive healthful and sustaining nourishment for worthy and abiding fruits. In the same light may be regarded habits of thought and educational tendencies developed under similar influences. To be well grounded was deemed a higher result of teaching than simply to possess extended information; while solidity of judgment was more esteemed than speculative acuteness. Deep thoughts and sound opinions, clothed in terse and classical language were not as yet diluted in ephemeral publications; nor the fruits of philosophical experiment and careful induction gathered into compendia, or wasted in sweeping generalization.

Dr. Johnson’s advice, “that, in order to the acquisition of a pure style, “a student should give his days and nights unto Addison,” received full assent, and was in some part followed by the admirer of Cicero, Locke, and Newton; from whence the contempt of every ignoble thought, and a staunch espousal of all virtuous and manly principle found congenial spirit in Sir Matthew Hale’s Contemplations, with fit expression in Young’s profundity of thought, and Milton’s sublime inspiration. Even these pure lights revolve but for a season round the Sun and Essence of their being, the light of Truth itself, wherein is no satiety and beneath whose unapproachable refulgency all lesser stars must pale their orbs.

An attentive study of Revealed Truth, aided by Bishop Louth and Dr. Samuel Clarke’s Commentary, – in conjunction with that masterpiece of convincing argument, – in reply to the latter, – Dr. Waterton on the Trinity, – “through patience and comfort of the Scriptures,” enabled the devout believer to rest his hopes unshaken on that “anchor of the soul, sure and stedfast,” which “entering in within the veil” was firmly grounded on the “Rock of Ages.”

A supreme abhorrence of all sordid and selfish motives naturally grew out of the constant reliance upon an overruling Providence, in a firm trust that those who sincerely “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” would find “all needful things added to them.” A grateful sense of mercies received was thus enkindled into adoration toward the Bounteous Giver, and a peace of mind ensured which nothing could seriously disturb.

Mr. Parker had but few Apprentices, and never employed an Assistant. In the most active period of practice his eldest Daughter undertook both the dispensing and the book keeping, and by her thoughtful habits, prudent conduct, and sound judgment, commanded respect and confidence from all, rendering her Father independent of further aid for many years.

Notwithstanding the heavy expenses of a large family whose education and advancement was ever a primary consideration, Mr. Parker contrived to build a house upon ground of his own purchase, which first received its owner in October 1818: and where in succeeding years, he was sheltered from the breeze by evergreen shrubs and Trees himself had planted.

A desire for some repose from the fatigues of arduous duty, now to be devolved upon his son, led to that brief secession which, as in the case of Sir Astley Cooper, at a similar period of active life – seemed only to quicken the ardour of succeeding years.

From the date of his removal to rural retreat at Aspley Guise, a long term of active exertion embraced not only much general practice in the Country, but a wide field of consultation extending to considerable distances: and that ready access granted to all poor at his own house, which scarcely closed with the tardy failure of a keen sight and steady hand when ninety years were full.

It may perhaps be unprecedented for one at that extreme of old age to use the lancet skillfully, and perform many minor operations with adroitness, generally without the aid of glasses; yet such was the case up to 1851.

For some years, however, perceptible indications had been remarked of that gradual decay which must ultimately ensue in the natural constitution of the most healthy frame; and this was first manifest in a want of power to preserve that erect posture and firm gait which marked an equable character in every step:-

“As some tall cliff that rears its awful form,
Swells from the vale and midway leaves the Storm;
Though round its base the rolling clouds are spread,
Eternal Sunshine settles on its head.”

The fame of past years still burning to the socket, shedding gleams of wondrous cures to many poor creatures of forlorn hope, yet drew from distant quarters those who, despaired of, yet not despairing, could compass the journey.

That practice among the poor, a cherished solace of declining years, had now been unwillingly relinquished; and one can only reflect with astonishment upon the many difficulties cheerfully surmounted by distant poor, who were wont to flock from various quarters in search of advice, the more valuable probably from being less accessible; but relied upon and followed by the majority with that faith which so materially helps to cure.

Sunday morning usually witnessed a motley group conveyed in every description of clumsy vehicle –  well bespattered with divers soils as chalk, sand, or clay prevailed in their respective localities.

The general impracticability to poor people of a journey upon any week day, – when horse and cart, or even donkey, can seldom be obtained, furnished sufficient reason for this inroad upon a day of Rest to one who ever regarded “the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord honorable.”

Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day? can scarcely be asked now, under a christian dispensation, save as a question of degree:- To what extent it may be lawful to do good, and how far it may be possible, in effecting the works of mercy, not to slight God’s holy ordinance.

That such happy union between the two tables of the Law is practicable had been proved through a long life of active duty and such precepts were enforced in some of its last words – “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

Opthalmic Surgery, ever a favorite, was latterly the branch of Science most cultivated; and that, from the frequent recurrence of extreme cases, to an extent which can only be explained by some want of attention or disinclination among many to deal with an organ requiring so much tact and delicacy.

The gratification experienced by this veteran Oculist in any one instance of recovered or spared sight brightened many an hour, and combined to shed fresh beams through the vista of seventy years, – spent in practice, – all storied with like deeds, – upon the hoary head whose crown of glory, gemmed with works of Mercy, was ever laid at his Redeemer’s feet. There had been learned, from earliest Infancy, those lessons of Wisdom which had heightened and purified all worldly knowledge; and there, as a shock of Corn fully ripe, beneath 93 Summers, laden with tears and blessings of the Poor, have been at length in gathered the fruits of that “Wisdom from above, which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

How quiet shews the woodland scene!
Each flower and tree its duty done,
Reposing in decay serene,
Like weary men when age is won;
Such calm old age as conscience pure
And self commanding hearts ensure,
Waiting their summons to the sky,
Content to live but not afraid to die.
Keble! Christian Year.

ALL SAINT’S DAY.
DODD AND PEELING, PRINTERS, STATIONERS, ETC., WOBURN.

[Ed. The Sir Hugh Hoare mentioned in the text, from whom the labourer who had a “considerable portion of the humerus [was] successfully excised and a useful labourer thus restored”, was working for, was then resident of Wavendon House and Lord of the Manor.]

This book is available online at: https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/A_Memoir_of_the_late_T_Parker_Esq_Surgeo/-zVcAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Memoir+of+the+late+T.+Parker&printsec=frontcover

Parker’s 1796 book on treating Fever can be read at:  https://archive.org/details/b22304927/page/n5/mode/2up

 

Page last updated Sept. 2025.