Biographies Introduction
Several authors with published works in the Rosen collection significantly influenced the evolving veterinary profession and contributed to a lasting legacy built upon by their successors. Veterinary historian Smithcors (1957, p. 255) noted that the surgeons who turned to animal medicine as veterinarians had admirable qualities. “In general, the contributions of this group [surgeon veterinarians] fall into three categories: Advocacy of improved practice by intelligent persons, greater attention to diagnosis, and humane methods of treatment." Although most early animal care practitioners did not fall into Smithcors' categories, the authors highlighted in this section advocated for improved practice, diagnosis, and humane treatments. In addition, these authors do not fit easily into only one of the categories described on this website, because their professional activities were so diverse. Of course, there are exceptions in any profession; Gervase Markham, an agricultural writer, and Edward Coleman, a surgeon turned veterinarian, were influential in their time, yet had a lasting negative effect on the veterinary art.
Veterinary historian Smithcors (1957, p. 255) noted that the surgeons who turned to animal medicine as veterinarians had admirable qualities. “In general, the contributions of this group [surgeon veterinarians] fall into three categories: Advocacy of improved practice by intelligent persons, greater attention to diagnosis, and humane methods of treatment."
James Clark (173?-1808)
William Youatt (1776-1847)
William Percivall (1792-1854)
William Dick (1793-1876)
John Gamgee (1831-1894)
