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Percivall Pott

1714-01-06 – 1788-12-22

Portrait of Percivall Pott
Portrait of Percivall Pott (1713–1788). Sitting, looking at the spectator; left hand (the only one visible) holding a scroll; red velvet coat, buttoned but slightly opened at throat and showing white neckerchief and frill; books in background to right. Sittings, &c: 1781, April 7, 18, May 14, 17; 1783, Dec. 3, 5; 1786, Jan 3, 11, 18, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 17, 25, March 7, 23, April 27, May 9, 18, June 9, July 18. Painted for Rev Mr. Pott [doubtless Pott's third son, who became Archdeacon of St. Albans and London]. Paid for by Mr. Potts [sic], Sept. 1788, £21, and sent home same month. Romney's Cash-Book, under date 1790, Jan. 11, records: "Received of the Rev. Mr. Pott, for the portrait of the late Mr. Pott, 3-qrs., £21"; and in another of Romney's Account Books: "Sent to John Street, King's Road, Chelsea [doubtless Archdeacon Pott's residence], Jan. 3, 1790." These entries are somewhat conflicting, and would suggest that two portraits of Percival Pott were painted and finished; and the two entries in the R L. bear out this theory. The numerous sittings however would suggest more than one portrait. (POTT, PERCIVAL.)Credit: George Romney

Life & Legacy

Percivall Pott (6 January 1714, in London – 22 December 1788) was an English surgeon, one of the founders of orthopaedics, and the first scientist to demonstrate that cancer may be caused by an environmental carcinogen, namely chimney sweeps' carcinoma. Many diseases are his namesake including Pott's fracture, Pott's disease of the spine, and Pott's puffy tumour. It is believed that Pott's standard of living contributed to the rise of the surgeon within social standings.

Occupation & Career

surgeon, neurologist, physician

Education

Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry

Accomplishments, Inventions & Publications

Fellow of the Royal Society

Legacy Highlights

Honors & Awards

Fellow of the Royal Society

Organizations & Memberships

Royal Society of London

Education & Institutions

Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry

Verified Legacy Record

Sources & Provenance

  1. Wikidata population candidate Q957900 — wikidata View source

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