The Mineral Water Hospital, opened in 1742, offered free treatment for seriously ill patients suffering from rheumatism, lead poisoning, skin diseases and accidents. Bath’s most famous Master of Ceremonies, Richard Beau’ Nash, is portrayed in the niche above holding a plan of the for which he was a tireless fund-raiser, By the time the present Pump Room opened in 1795. Bath’s reputation was at its peak. Within a few years medical opinion favored sea bathing Although treatment continued until the 1970’s, the heyday was over.

Throughout the 18^th century Bath’s growing reputation as a health spa attracted both patients and doctors to the town. The new Bath guide of 1790 advertises 18 physicians, 13 surgeons and 25 apothecaries. Many quacks and charlatans also set up in business to pray off the wealthy invalids who flocked to Bath during the season. A visitor in 1709 recorded that he had been cured of mort diseases in a week than he had suffered in the rest of his life.

 18th century doctors in Bath - History of Bath

 18th century doctors in Bath

 18th century doctors in Bath - History of Bath

The Doctors Surgery by Thomas  Rowlandson  from Comforts of Bath. Etching and aquatint. Victoria Art Gallery

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