SIR CÆSAR HAWKINS, Bart., Serjeant-Surgeon.

This eminent Surgeon (the son of Mr. Cæsar Hawkins, a Surgeon at Ludlow, Shropshire) was born 10th January, 1711, and by his great ability, at a very early age secured a large and lucrative practice; he was the inventor of the cutting gorget, and a remarkably dexterous operator.

1st July, 1735. M^r Cæsar Hawkins Surgeon in Bloomsbury who had lived several years with his father a Surgeon in the Country and afterwards with M^r Ranby a Foreign Brother of the Company seven years, but not bound an Apprentice at the Hall, was in consideration thereof, admitted into the freedom of the Company for six pounds six shillings which he paid down and was sworne. At the same time the said M^r Cæsar Hawkins was examined touching his skill in Surgery his answers were approved of and he was ordered the Diploma under the hands of the Governors and the seal of the Company testifying his skill and impowering him to practice.

19th August, 1736. Mr. Hawkins was admitted to the Livery, and the same day was chosen a Demonstrator of Anatomy, being then but twenty-five years of age.

18th August, 1737. M^r Cæsar Hawkins one of the Demonstrators of Anatomy attended at this Court and surrendered the said office and after returning this Court his thanks for the honor they had done him to choose him one of their Demonstrators acquainted them that he being appointed Surgeon to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and also Surgeon to one of the troops of Guards, could not perform the office of a Demonstrator and therefore the Court accepted of such surrender.

Mr. Hawkins, in addition to his other appointments, was Surgeon to St. George’s Hospital, 1735–1774, and Serjeant-Surgeon to George III, to which latter office he was appointed 7th September, 1747. By his practice as a phlebotomist alone he is said to have made £1,000 a year, it then being the custom for people to be bled at the spring and fall of the year.

His family have been Surgeons for some generations, and have held distinguished office, his brother Pennell Hawkins, his son Charles, and his grandson Cæsar Henry, having all been Serjeant-Surgeons. On the 25th July, 1778, Mr. Hawkins was created a Baronet; he died 13th February, 1786. A portrait of him, by Hogarth, is in the Hall of the Royal College of Surgeons.

Arms. Ar. on a saltire engrailed sa. five fleur de lys or.