JOHN COLLINS WARREN (August 1, 1778- May 4, 1856) :: Essays Papers

JOHN COLLINS WARREN (August 1, 1778- May 4, 1856) Synapsis The scientific community experienced several advancements from the late 18th century through the mid-19th century. This time period is of primary focus to illustrate the era in which a well accomplished anatomist left an astonishing, but often overlooked, mark in history. John Collins Warren, a skillful surgeon and fine anatomist, influenced and helped re-shape world wide views with his work on comparative anatomy titled Comparative View of the Sensorial and Nervous Systems in Men and Animals. A look into his life, accomplishments, and the time period itself will allow a thorough understanding of the importance and impact left by this work; a work previously unviewed by the internet community. John Collins Warren, born August 1, 1778, was a native of Massachusetts. Warren’s earliest influence, his father, was active in the medical community as both a doctor and surgeon. Warren’s father was such a great influence that young Warren himself decided to pursue a medical career. Warren chose a medical career, coercion free, feeling it would be most beneficial (E. Warren 21). Warren showed early on that his life was full of commitment and willfulness; he readily applied these traits towards his own education. At the time Warren began his studies there was no hospital in Boston and after one year of American schooling, he ventured to Europe to continue his studies. Around the beginning of the 19th century, voyages overseas were not easily accomplished; Warren’s voyage lasted twenty-four days and confirmed his sense of dedication. While in Europe, Warren studied in both London and Paris. Studying overseas was, as Warren himself had predicted, very beneficial. It enabled him to establish life-long relationships with influential members of the scientific community. With help from others, Warren was able to attend lectures by the most prominent scientists in Europe. Several of Warren’s journal entries from Europe speak of lectures by well-established scientists Vauqelin and Hope (E. Warren 57). After spending a sufficient amount of time in Europe, Warren felt he was well-learned and returned to America to advance his career in medicine. Upon returning to America, Warren continued his studies at Harvard and Cambridge and was forced to embrace what seemed like a whole different world.