Dates

• Existence: 1876 - 1960

Biography

Charles Joseph Singer (1876-1960), historian of medicine and science, was born on 2 November 1876 at 22 Brunswick Square, Camberwell, London. He began the medical course at University College, London, in 1893, but discovered a preference for zoology and won a scholarship at Magdalen College, Oxford. He graduated BA in 1898 and then returned to the study of medicine, at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, where he graduated BM in 1903. He qualified MRCS and LRCP and was immediately appointed medical officer to a small geographical expedition to Abyssinia, where he spent nearly a year. On his return Singer completed his residence at St Mary's and graduated BM BCh at Oxford (DM in 1911) and then filled various posts in London, Brighton, and Singapore. Back in London he was admitted MRCP in 1909 and was appointed registrar to the Cancer Hospital, where he undertook pathological research, and physician to the Dreadnought Hospital, where he extended his interest in tropical diseases. He retained these posts until he went to Oxford in 1914 and for a time he was concurrently in consulting practice in Westminster. After the war Singer returned to Oxford as lecturer in the history of biological sciences, and in 1920 he accepted a lectureship in the history of medicine at University College, London. He died at his home in Cornwall on 10 June 1960.

Found in 1 Collection or Record: