Surgeon believed to be 'real Dr Frankenstein' honoured in Stockton village

A plaque celebrating the legendary Georgian surgeon believed to have inspired Frankenstein has been unveiled in a Stockton village garden.

Sir Anthony Carlisle (1768– 1840) was born in Stillington and went on to become a “universally esteemed surgeon”.

He was President of the Royal College of Surgeons and physician to the Prince Regent (later George IV) and was knighted for his services.

A man of many talents Sir Anthony co-discovered electrolysis, separating water into oxygen and hydrogen for the first time using an electric current.

Through his pioneering work it is believed Sir Anthony inspired Mary Shelley’s hit gothic novel Frankenstein.

The Society of Biology has installed the plaque as part of a new series of ten blue plaques around the UK celebrating eminent but sometimes unsung heroes of biology.

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham was joined at the unveiling ceremony by Dr Richard Spencer MBE, head of science at Middlesbrough College and shortlisted candidate for Global Teacher of the Year.

Said Dr Spencer: “Sir Anthony was a universally esteemed surgeon and investigative scientist. But he was also well known for his stimulating conversation.

“His lectures on anatomy drew huge crowds thanks to his entertaining performances.

“He studied subjects as diverse as tapeworms, disorders of old age, prevention of disease and the bones of the inner ear.

“However, he is best known in science for the classical experiment with Nicholson in which water was dissociated into oxygen and hydrogen for the time, using electrolysis.”

Dr Spencer added: “Some evidence has recently been uncovered that Sir Anthony wrote gothic novels under the name ‘Mrs Carver’ and that he was the inspiration behind Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein.

“Whether or not Sir Anthony was ‘The Real Dr Frankenstein’ is difficult to prove but I like to think so. Regardless, Sir Anthony was a truly remarkable individual and worthy of this blue plaque in commemoration of everything he achieved.”

The ten blue plaques are part of the national Biology: Changing the World project.

Dr Mark Downs, chief executive of the Society of Biology said: “We are delighted to be giving these biologists the recognition awarded to other great historical figures through Biology: Changing the World. By highlighting our great biology heritage we hope to inspire the next generation.”