John Hunter was a Scottish physiologist and surgeon who lived during the eighteenth century. Considered the father of modern surgical techniques, he is also well known for his large collection of anatomical specimens.

Hunter was born on February 13, 1728, in Long Calderwood, Lanarkshire. After working as a cabinet maker for a short while, he moved to London at the age of 20 to work with his brother, William, who was a renowned surgeon and obstetrician. Hunter started with no formal medical education; instead he helped his brother prepare anatomical specimens for his lectures. While working with these specimens, John conducted a detailed study of the lymphatic vessels and of the growth and structure of bone. He dissected a great many corpses and kept a large number of animal specimens as well, including such disparate animals as a whale and a bull. During the course of his work, Hunter improved upon...