John Gunning

John Gunning (1734–1798), was an English surgeon. Background and early career He was born at Swainswick, the son of John Gunning (died 1774) and his wife Elizabeth Lymen; and was educated at Winchester College from 1747. The eldest son, he was disinherited by his father. Gunning was the assistant surgeon to St. George's Hospital, London, from 21 January 1760 to 4 January 1765, and full surgeon from that date till his death. In 1773 he was elected Steward of Anatomy by the Surgeons' Company, but paid a fine rather than serve. In 1789 he was elected Examiner on the death of Percivall Pott, and in the same year he was chosen Master of the Company, and signalised his year of office by a firm effort to reform its administration and reorganise its work. In attacking the perquisites of the courts of assistants and of examiners he was outspoken. His philippic on retiring from office on 1 July 1790 was preserved by John Flint South: