ROBERT

See also:

• LISTON, JOHN (c. 1776-1846)
• ROBERT LISTON (1794-1847)

LISTON (1794-1847)  , Scottish surgeon, was born on the 28th of October 1794 at Ecclesmachan, Linlithgow, where his father was parish minister . He began the study of anatomy under Dr John Barclay (1758-1826) at Edinburgh in 18,o, and soon became a skilful anatomist . After eight years' study, he became a lecturer on anatomy and surgery in the Edinburgh School of Medicine; and in 1827 he was elected one of the surgeons to the Royal Infirmary . In 1835 he was chosen professor of clinical surgery in University College, London, and this appointment he held until his death, which occurred in London on the 7th of December 1847 . Liston was a teacher more by what he did than by what he said . He taught simplicity in all operative procedures; fertile in expedients, of great nerve and of powerful frame, he is remembered as an extraordinarily bold, skilful and rapid operator . He was the author of The Elements of Surgery (1831-1832) and Practical Surgery (1837), and made several improvements in methods of amputation, and in the dressing of wounds .