Alfred Swaine Taylor papers
TitleAlfred Swaine Taylor papers
ReferenceMS-TAYLA
Date
1818 - c.1887
Creator Alfred Swaine (1806-1880) Taylor
Admin history: Alfred Swaine Taylor was born in Northfleet, Kent, on 11 December 1806. His medical studies took him to France in 1830, where he assisted with the treatment of patients with bullet wounds and other injuries sustained during the July Revolution. This experience sparked an interest in medical jurisprudence, or forensics, the practice of using scientific methods to determine the cause of injuries or death. Alfred studied chemistry and other subjects to help him develop forensic techniques. He was partly motivated by a desire to enable physicians and surgeons to better act as medical witnesses (or medical jurists) during trials. From 1831-1877, he held the chair of medical jurisprudence at Guy's Hospital, London. From 1832, he also lectured in chemistry at Guy's, and became a world-renowned toxicologist (an expert on poisons). In 1834, he married Caroline Cancellor, and they had one daughter, Edith Caroline. Alfred died at his home at 15 St James' Terrace, Regent's Park, on 27 May 1880.
Production date 1818 - 1887
Scope and ContentMostly papers relating to cases of medical jurisprudence (forensic science) that Alfred or his colleagues were involved with, and notes and research relating to medical jurisprudence and relevant chemical tests. Also papers relating to other areas of Alfred's professional life, as well as some personal correspondence and papers.
Extent6 boxes, 1 volume and 1 item
LanguageEnglish
Archival historyThe records were stored in Edith's house near Bury St Edmunds before they were sold as part of a larger collection by her descendants at auction in October 2018.
Levelfonds
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