James Hinton

James Hinton, born in Reading, Berkshire, was an English surgeon and author who lived from 1822 to 1875. He was the father of mathematician Charles Howard Hinton. Initially educated at his grandfather's school and a Nonconformist school, Hinton's early life involved work as a woollen-draper and a clerk before a doctor advised him to pursue medicine. He studied at St Bartholomew's Hospital, receiving his diploma in 1847. He served as an assistant surgeon in Newport, Essex, and then went to Sierra Leone and Jamaica to manage the health of free labourers. Returning to England in 1850, he partnered with a London surgeon, developing an interest in aural surgery and physiology. His specialization in aural surgery led to his appointment at Guy's Hospital in 1863, where he became known as a highly skilled practitioner. In the 1870s, his health declined, leading him to cease practice in 1874. He died the following year in the Azores from acute inflammation of the brain. Hinton's literary career began in 1856 with contributions to the "Christian Spectator." His book "Man and his Dwellingplace" (1859) explored the connection between science and religion. He also authored "Life in Nature" (1862) and "Thoughts on Health" (1871), showcasing his ability to explain complex scientific topics to a general audience. His specialized works include "An Atlas of the membrana tympani" (1874) and "Questions of Aural Surgery" (1874). Other notable works include "The Mystery of Pain" (1866) and "The Place of the Physician" (1874). His writings, which addressed significant moral and social issues, achieved wide readership on both sides of the Atlantic. Hinton was also a vocal proponent of polygamy, a stance that led to societal criticism and a renunciation of these views shortly before his death. His "Life and Letters" were published posthumously in 1878. His philosophical writings, edited by his wife and sister-in-law, also faced scrutiny due to their controversial aspects, influencing perceptions of his son, Charles Howard Hinton. Hinton's association with figures like Sir William Withey Gull has led to his indirect connection with fictional portrayals related to Jack the Ripper, notably in the graphic novel "From Hell."