Thomas Nunneley

Thomas Nunneley (1809 - 1 June 1870), was a British surgeon who at first focussed on eye and ear surgery, and built a large private practice in this field. He wrote several essays and books including on topics of erysipelas, eye surgery and on the effects of anaesthesia and hydrocyanic acid.

After studying in Paris he settled in Leeds, where he became attached to the Eye and Ear Infirmary and the Leeds School of Medicine, where he taught surgery and anatomy. In 1864 he became surgeon to the Leeds Infirmary. He opposed Joseph Lister's antisepsis and did not believe in the germ-theory of wound infections. He served as a witness in civil and criminal cases, including being first witness in the trial of William Palmer.

Early life and family Thomas Nunneley was born in 1809, in Market Harborough.

Career Nunneley became apprentice to a surgeon at Wellingborough and gained surgical experience at Guy's Hospital where he served as dresser to a Mr Keys. In 1832 he gained a licenciate of the Apothecaries. In 1869 at the meeting of the British Medical Association in Leeds, he made clear his opposition to Joseph Lister's antisepsis and disbelief in the germ-theory of wound infections.

In 1843, he became one of the original 300 Fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons. He presented his opinion on the eighth day of the trial, concluding that "I am of the opinion that death was caused by some convulsive disease".

Death Nunneley died on 1 June 1870, at the age of 62.

Selected publications Articles

Books