Manuscript containing a memoir of Charles White (1728-1813) by Thomas Henry (1734-1816) with remarks by Thomas Radford (1793-1881) and also a memoir of John Hull (1764-1843) by Radford.
The pages containing the memoirs of Charles White bear the original foliation 1-49 with 1-33 being the words of Thomas Henry and 34-49 being the remarks by Thomas Radford. The title page reads 'Memoirs of the late Charles White, Esq., F.R.S., &c. &c. with reference to his Professional Life and Writings by Thomas Henry, F.R.S., &c. &c. Read April 2nd, 1813, at a Meeting of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society. To which are added A Few Fragmentary Remarks by Thomas Radford, M.D., F.R.C.P. Ed., &c.'. There is also a note of the name of the scribe, J. Barber. The memoir was intended to serve as a commemoration of White's life following his death in 1813 and recounts key aspects of his life from his early education in Manchester, medical education in London, friendship with John Hunter, time spent studying in Edinburgh, role in the establishment of the Manchester Infirmary, work in the field of midwifery, and role in professional society including experiments and publications.
Radford's remarks on White focus largely on his residence in Manchester, which occupied a site bordered by King Street, Cross Street, and Cheapside, as well as his character, physical appearance, role with the Manchester Royal Infirmary, and contribution of his collection of anatomical, pathological, and other preparations to the museum at the Manchester and Salford Lying-in Hospital. There are a number of illustrations accompanying Radford's remarks including a full page illustration of his house on King Street between folios 33 and 34, a drawing of Charles White between folios 34 and 35, and a drawing of his son Thomas White between folios 45 and 46.
The memoir to John Hull makes up the rest of the manuscript and has the original pagination pp.50-80, with the writing now on the recto and verso. There is no reference to the scribe in this section and it appears to be in a different hand. The title page reads 'A Memoir of the late John Hull, M.D., M.R.C.S., F.L.S. &c. Late Physician of the Manchester and Salford Lying in Hospital, with reference to his life and writings, by Thomas Radford, M.D., F.R.C.p., Edin. F.R.C.S. Engld &c. &c. Hony Consulting Physician to St Mary's Hospital and the Manchester and Salford Lying in Hospital. 1878.'. Radford comments on Hull's early life and education, medical studies in Lancashire and London, his use of shorthand, return to Blackburn and partnership with his former master, his marriage, visit to Leiden, move to Manchester, performing of the caesarean section and subsequent disputes, his interest in botany, and his retirement.