Abraham Colles

Irish surgeon and anatomist

Abraham Colles (23 July 1773 – 16 November 1843) was a prominent Irish surgeon and anatomist, best known for his work on the fracture of the distal radius, which is now known as Colles' fracture. He was a significant figure in the field of surgery and made substantial contributions to medical education and practice in Ireland.

Early life and education

Abraham Colles was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1773. He was the son of William Colles, a successful merchant and manufacturer. Colles showed an early interest in medicine and pursued his studies at Trinity College Dublin, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1795. He then went on to study medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).

In 1796, Colles traveled to Edinburgh to further his medical education, where he studied under the renowned surgeon John Bell. He also spent time in London, where he was influenced by the work of John Hunter, a pioneer in surgical techniques and anatomical research.

Career

Upon returning to Dublin in 1799, Colles was appointed as a surgeon at Steevens' Hospital, one of the leading medical institutions in Ireland at the time. He quickly gained a reputation for his skill and expertise in surgery. In 1804, he was appointed as a professor of anatomy, surgery, and physiology at the RCSI, a position he held for over 30 years.

Colles was known for his innovative teaching methods and his ability to communicate complex medical concepts to his students. He emphasized the importance of practical experience and hands-on training in surgical education.

Contributions to medicine

Colles made several important contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the areas of surgery and anatomy. His most famous contribution is the description of the fracture of the distal radius, which he first published in 1814. This injury, now known as Colles' fracture, is a common type of fracture that occurs near the wrist and is often seen in older adults.

In addition to his work on fractures, Colles also made significant contributions to the understanding of syphilis. He described what is now known as Colles' law, which states that a mother who has given birth to a child with congenital syphilis is immune to the disease, even if she shows no symptoms herself.

Colles was also involved in the development of surgical techniques and was one of the first to advocate for the use of ligatures to control bleeding during surgery. His work laid the foundation for many modern surgical practices.

Legacy

Abraham Colles is remembered as one of the most influential figures in Irish medical history. His teachings and writings have had a lasting impact on the field of surgery, and his name is still associated with the fracture he described. Colles' dedication to medical education and his contributions to surgical practice have made him a respected figure in the history of medicine.

Related pages

• Colles' fracture
• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
• John Hunter (surgeon)
• Syphilis

Gallery

• 
  Portrait of Abraham Colles
• 
  Indenture of Abraham Colles, 1790