Peter Redfern (1821-1912) Joint Pathologist

Some of the earliest experiments on the pathological changes of articular cartilage were pursued by Peter Redfern, outstanding anatomist and practitioner of Scotland and Ireland. Redfern was born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, and received a major portion of his education in Scotland.¹ As was the custom of the time, he was apprenticed to a physician who allowed him not only to study disease but to carry out surgical procedures. The experience gained and reputation acquired led to the premature termination of the apprenticeship; whereupon Redfern began formal training in Edinburgh and won prizes in medicine, surgery, and midwifery. He continued training at London University, graduating MB in 1844 and three years later receiving the MD degree. In each instance he gained a gold medal in medicine. Meanwhile, he became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in England and in 1851 was admitted to Fellowship.

In 1845, Redfern was