or CHIRURGEON, one that professes the art of SURGERY.

In England there are two distinct companies of surgeons now occupying the science or faculty of surgery; the one company called barbers, the other surgeons, which latter are not incorporated.—The two are united to fye, and be sued, by the names of masters or governors and community of the mystery of barbers and surgeons of London. 32 Hen. VIII, c. 42.

No person using any barberry or shaving in London, shall occupy any surgery, letting of blood, or other matter; drawing of teeth only excepted. And no person using the mystery or craft of surgery shall occupy or exercise the feat or craft of barberry or shaving, neither by himself, nor any other for his use. 32 Hen. VIII, c. 42.

By the same statute, Surgeons are obliged to have signs at their doors.

The French chirurgeons being refused to be admitted into the universities (notwithstanding that their art makes a branch of medicine), on pretence of its bordering a little on butcherery or cruelty, afficiated themselves into a brotherhood, under the protection of S. Celsus and S. Damian: on which account, according to the laws of their institution, they are obliged to dress and look to wounds gratis the first Monday of each month.

They distinguish between a chirurgeon of the long robe and a barber-chirurgeon. The first has studied physic, and is allowed to wear a gown. The skill of the other, besides what relates to the management of the beard, is supposed to be confined to the more simple and easy operations in chirurgery; as bleeding, tooth-drawing, &c.

They were formerly distinguished by badges: those of the long gown bore a case of instruments; the barber, a bason.