Abstract
Within the chronology of medicine there are occasional figures—for example, Leonardo da Vinci on a broader canvas—whose inventiveness has bequeathed valuable legacies in diverse fields of human endeavour. Erasmus Darwin (1731-1802)1 was one such, Ferdinand von Helmholtz (1821-1894) another.2 We believe that to this company should be added the little-known Lakeland surgeon and apothecary, William Close (1775-1813). In his brief life of 38 years, in addition to 'diligent attention to the duties of his profession'3 he contributed to the broader betterment of humankind with an extraordinary array of inventions4—notably in mine safety, brass musical instruments and hydraulics. Two hundred years have elapsed since this kind and respected village doctor invented his 'Engine for raising water by the lateral Communication of Motion'. We believe that this is an appropriate time to record a short biography.
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