Carlisle, Anthony (1768–1840)

English surgeon. A member of the College of Surgeons and surgeon-extraordinary to the prince regent (later King George IV), he was also surgeon to Westminster Hospital (1793–1840). He lectured on anatomy at the Royal Academy (1808–25) and became President of the College of Surgeons in 1829. Carlisle was a skilful surgeon, and introduced the thin-bladed, straight-edged amputating knife. His writings were largely on anatomy; although some were on artistic and scientific subjects. One pamphlet was on galvanic electricity, and his reputation rests largely on this.

Carlisle was born in Stillington, County Durham, England. He was first apprenticed to practitioners in York and Durham, then studied under John Hunter in London. He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1800, and contributed various treatises on physiology. He was knighted in 1821.