BARBER SURGEON A BRIEF HISTORY

Barber-surgeons were medical practitioners in medieval Europe who, unlike many doctors of the time, performed surgery, often on the war wounded. Barber-surgeons would normally learn their trade as an apprentice to a more experienced colleague. Many would have no formal learning, and were often illiterate.

Barber-surgeons

King Henry VIII granting a Royal Charter to the Barber-Surgeons company.

Credits:Wellcome Library, London.

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Barber-surgeons were medical practitioners in medieval Europe who, unlike many doctors of the time, performed surgery, often on the war wounded. Barber-surgeons would normally learn their trade as an apprentice to a more experienced colleague. Many would have no formal learning, and were often illiterate.
The red and white pole which is still used to identify a barber’s shop was originally intended to reflect the blood and napkins

The red and white pole which is still used to identify a barber’s shop was originally intended to reflect the blood and napkins used to clean up during bloodletting. This treatment was one of the main tasks of the barber-surgeon, as well as extracting teeth, performing enemas, selling medicines, performing surgery and, of course, cutting hair.
In England barbers and surgeons originally had separate guilds, but these were merged by Henry VIII in 1540 as the United Barber-Surgeons Company. However, the two professions were beginning to separate. Surgery was establishing itself as a profession, helped by men such as the French surgeon Ambroise Paré, whose work raised the professional status of surgery. Increasingly, barbers were forbidden to carry out any surgical procedures except for teeth-pulling and bloodletting. In 1745 the two professions were separated by King George II, who established the London College of Surgeons. By this time surgeons were university educated.

one of our awards givin to us by UK ROTC COMMAND

our irritations we face in our grooming everyday

Ingrown Hairs

These appear as small bumps, most often on the face scalp. Poor shaving and cleansing of the skin can cause the hair to curl over within the follicle instead of exiting the skin. Ingrown hairs are prevented by proper cleansing of the skin and proper shaving techniques (for more on shaving, click the HERE). Persistent problems with ingrown hairs should be treated under the advice of a dermatologist.

Psoriasis

This is an inflammatory skin disease which commonly appears on the knees, elbows, and scalp. The cause of Psoriasis is unknown and it is not contagious. The lesions are round, dry patches covered with coarse, silvery scales. Psoriasis can be a difficult problem and should be treated by a dermatologist.

Razor Bumps

Highly common among African American men, razor bumps occur when curly hair is cut close and growns back into the skin. The best treatement for razor bumps is to let the beard grow out and shave less. Proper shaving techniques can also prevent razor bumps. For more on shaving, click the "Shaving Advice" button to the left.

Razor Burn

A hot, red irritation of the skin caused by poor shaving techniques (most often excessive shaving and poor blade lubrication). For more on shaving

RECOGNIZE AND PREVENT SCALP PROBLEMS

Several scalp conditions, left untreated, may become larger problems and lead to hair loss. Below are a few common scalp problems. If any of the following conditions exist, please consult your dermatologist.

Acne

Acne is a cronic inflammatory disease of the oil glands. When the hair follicle is filled with excess oil and dirt, a blackhead forms and causes a blockage at the mouth of the follicle. This causes irritation and often leads to the development of pus-filled pimples. The treatment for mild acne is to reduce the skin's oiliness by application of cleansers morning, noon and night. Regular exfoliation can also be helpful. Several creams containing Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid can help prevent acne. Persistent or severe acne should always be treated by a dermatologist.

Dandruff (Pityriasis)

There are two common forms of Dandruff: Dry Dandruff and Greasy Dandruff. The principle signs of Dry Dandruff are white scales on the hair and scalp accompanied by itching. Greasy or Waxy Dandruff is characterized by scaliness of the epidermis, mixed with oils which causes it to stick to the scalp in patches. Dandruff may be associated with a dry or oily condition. Common causes include poor blood circulation to the scalp, poor diet, improper hygiene, excessive use of styling products, dry indoor air, tight fitting hats, or infection. Generally, dandruff is a natural condition and normally cannot be eliminated. Dandruff can be controlled by using a dandruff shampoo and correcting the conditions above that promote dandruff. Long-term neglect of Dandruff can cause baldness. Below are two common forms of Dandruff. Be careful using Dandruff Shampoos containing Zinc Pyrithione. Shampoos containing this chemical are not intended for daily use and should be used about 2 times per week, alternated with a good Moisturizing Shampoo.

where it all started

 ASHLAND BARBERS FORMALLY DRAKE BARBERSHOP EST. 1902
Cross North Broadway and continue on West Short while taking notice of the 180-year-old building at 309 West Short (on your left before North Mill). This is Lexington’s oldest surviving post office (ca. 1830). The building to its west at 311 is a remnant of the 19th century REED-DRAKE HOTEL.On your right at 300 West Short (on the southwest corner of West Short and N. Mill Street) is a building that began as a pharmacy in 1905. It became Sageser Pharmacy from 1930 to around 1970, after which the building was renovated and converted to law offices. Continue to Cheapside Park, on your right at the southeast corner of West Short and Cheapside (Stop 9). South Ashland Avenue HOME OF ASHLAND BARBER SHOP Continue east for another block on East High Street to the South Ashland intersection. Turn left on South Ashland (Stop 26). You have entered the South Ashland Historic District, which is included the Woodlands National Register Historic District. Its houses were built in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. A variety of architectural styles of the period are represented with many of the structures reflecting combinations of styles. Included in this district is Woodland Park, which was designed by the Olmstead Brothers landscape architecture firm.
Continue on South Ashland until you reach Fincastle Road on the right, a block before you reach East Main Street at the stoplight. (Skip to Stop 29 if you desire to eliminate 2 miles from your tour.) Turn right on Fincastle Road and continue 5 blocks through the old and peaceful Ashland Park neighborhood until you reach Sycamore. This neighborhood is part of the National Park Service’s Ashland Park Historic District. As you bike through the Ashland Park Neighborhood, you will notice that it is one of the most unified and aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods in Lexington. Colonial Georgian, Federal, Queen Anne Victorian, Colonial Revival, Dutch Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival and Craftsman are among the architectural styles found in the area, giving the visitor a rich survey of our American architectural history. In 1904, the Clay family hired the Olmsted brothers to create plans for a residential neighborhood on the 600-acre estate. Constructed over a 15-year period, the development was completed around 1930. A short distance past Sycamore on the left is Henry Clay’s Estate, Ashland.
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