Colin McCall: John Law, heroes from history, General George Wade, Thomas Denman, history of midwifery, pioneering physicians, midwives and medical crusaders, changing nature of maternity care

Lesser Known Heroes

Colin McCall

Naval Warfare to Natal Care unfolds the story of how Thomas moved from the rural surroundings of Derbyshire to become respected at the highest levels of London society and beyond. It traces his links with many well-known historical contemporaries such as Admiral John Byng, Lord George Byron, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, the pioneering physicians William Smellie and William Hunter, and the courageous and innovative female midwives of the time. It outlines how the surgeon’s mate became a respected medical practitioner, medical author and medical crusader. In doing so it opens a window on the history of obstetrics and the changing nature of maternity care.

Crime, Cash, Credit and Chaos is a contribution to tracing John Law's fascinating influence. It examines the events and circumstances that became his dramatic and tragic life and it provides insights into his pioneering role in the development of credit systems and capitalism. It explains his link with the word ‘millionaire’ and his influence on Louisiana in the USA. It seeks to unravel Law's complex character and to explain his controversial reputation. Though at one time holding a position in France of near equal status to that of Robert Walpole in England, John Law was to die impoverished and bereft of power.

Routes, Roads, Regiments and Rebellions reflects the difficulties faced by those who wanted to access the troublesome Highlands following the Disarming Act of 1725, and how those difficulties were curtailed by the construction of a network of military roads between 1725 and 1736. It provides a comprehensive review of the life and work of the principal architect of that network, General George Wade. It examines the contribution to the road-building programme of Wade’s friend and ally William Caulfield and explores the development of the roads from Wade’s death until their decline through the advent of more modern means of road construction.