The Collection of Medals to the Medical Services formed by Colonel D.G.B. Riddick

Royal Humane Society, large silver medal (successful), (R.H.S. Do. Brodie vitam ob restitvtam dono dat 1805), fitted within a glazed silver frame upon which is engraved, ‘Go and do thou likewise’, frame fitted with swivel ring suspension, extremely fine £220-260

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Medical Services formed by Colonel D.G.B. Riddick.

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‘.... On Monday night, a young woman, between 17 and 18, threw herself into the river near Harnham Mill, where it is supposed she might have lain upwards of ten minutes, when William Dear, although it was perfectly dark, jumped in, caught hold of her, and, by much exertion, at last brought her out, and carried her to the miller’s house. She was declared by the spectators to be totally dead. Mr Brodie (a pupil now walking St. George’s Hospital, being on a visit to his mother), and Mr Bickingsale, apothecary, employed the usual means of resuscitation recommended by the R.H.S. which, after some time, brought about languid symptoms of life; although the unfortunate woman had received a violent blow on the head, from the pier of the bridge (as it is supposed in throwing herself in). By medical attention, she is now perfectly restored to life and health’. (Communication from William Collins Esq to Mr B. Hawes, appearing in the R.H.S. Anual Report of 1805).