Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Green, Jonathan

by Gordon Goodwin

GREEN, JONATHAN, M.D. (1788?–1864), medical writer, born about 1788, became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England on 7 Dec. 1810 (College Admission Book). His degree of M.D. was obtained from Heidelberg in 1834. In 1835 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society. For some years he served as a surgeon in the navy, and acquired a reputation as a specialist in skin diseases. On retiring from the service he visited Paris in order to examine the fumigating baths established by order of the French government. On his return to London he opened in 1823 an establishment for fumigating and other baths at 5 Bury Street, St. James's. He also patented a portable vapour bath. In December 1825 he removed to 40 Great Marlborough Street, but was not successful in the end, and he became an inmate of the Charterhouse, where he died on 23 Feb. 1864, aged 76 (Gent. Mag. 1864, i. 537).

He is author of:

1. 'The Utility and Importance of Fumigating Baths illustrated; or a Series of Facts and Remarks, shewing the Origin, Progress, and final Establishment (by order of the French Government) of the practice of Fumigations for the Cure of various Diseases,' &c., 8vo, London, 1823.
2. 'A short Illustration of the Advantages derived by the use of Sulphurous Fumigating, Hot Air, and Vapour Baths,' 8vo, London, 1825.
3. 'Some Observations on the utility of Fumigating and other Baths. … With a Summary of … Cases,' &c., 12mo, London, 1831; another edition, 12mo, London, 1835.
4. 'A Practical Compendium of the Diseases of the Skin, with Cases, &c.,' 8vo, London, 1835.
5. 'On the Utility and Safety of the Fumigating Bath as a remedial agent in Complaints of the Skin. Joints, Rheumatism,' &c., 24mo, London, 1847.
6. 'An improved Method of employing Mercury by Fumigation to the whole body,' 8vo, London, 1852.

[Authorities as above; Brit. Mus. Cat.]

G. G.