Coins, Tokens and Historical Medals

St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, William Senhouse Kirkes Medal, 1864, a gold award by J.S. & A.B. Wyon, bust left, rev. wreath, named (G. Bourne, 1917), 38mm, 31.90g (BHM 2830, not listed in gold). About extremely fine, scarce; in case of issue £750-850

William Senhouse Kirkes (1822-64) was an English physiologist noted for his reference work Kirkes’ Physiology, first published in 1848. Kirkes’ main research field was cardiology and vascular disease. His obituary in the British Medical Journal of 24 December 1864 states “Accurate in diagnosis, skilful in treatment, a worthy successor of the great men whose names adorn the roll of St Bartholomew’s Hospital...” Geoffrey Bourne (1893-1970) entered St Bartholomew’s Hospital in 1912 with a classical scholarship. After a brilliant student career in which he was awarded almost every prize open to him, he qualified with the Conjoint Diploma in 1917. Bourne was by training, and remained by inclination, a general physician, but one with great knowledge and experience of cardiology; most of his published papers were on heart disease. A tall elegant figure of distinguished appearance, he was an entertaining and witty conversationalist who carried his erudition lightly