Henry Earle

In 1811 he began practice as a surgeon, and attained some notoriety by the invention of a bed for cases of fracture of the legs.

He lived in George Street, Hanover Square, London, attained considerable practice, and died of fever at his own house 18 January 1838.

This essay led to a controversy with Sir Astley Cooper as to whether fracture of the neck of the thighbone ever unites.

He was of small stature, and hence The Lancet, in many indecent attacks on him, usually calls him 'the cock-sparrow,’ but in a long series of abusive paragraphs nothing to Earle's real discredit is stated.

His distinguished surgical descent, his early opportunities of acquiring knowledge, and success in obtaining important appointments seem to have made him somewhat arrogant, but he undoubtedly worked hard at his profession, and deserved the trust which a large circle of friends and patients placed in him.