John Atkins (naval surgeon)

John Atkins (naval surgeon) was an English naval surgeon and author, best known for his writings on medicine and surgery, particularly those related to his experiences on voyages to the West African coast and the West Indies in the early 18th century.

Atkins served as a surgeon in the Royal Navy during a period of intense maritime activity. His most notable work is "The Navy-Surgeon" (1732), a practical manual for naval surgeons which became a standard reference. In it, he described various diseases, injuries, and medical practices common amongst sailors of the time, offering insights into the challenges of providing medical care in a harsh environment. The book includes detailed accounts of treatments for scurvy, dysentery, and other ailments prevalent on long sea voyages.

Atkins's observations also extended to the people and cultures he encountered during his voyages. He recorded his interactions with communities in West Africa, including detailed accounts of local customs, diseases, and the transatlantic slave trade. His writings, while reflecting the biases of his era, offer a valuable firsthand perspective on the medical and social realities of the 18th century.

His other publications include "A Voyage to Guinea, Brasil, and the West-Indies" (1735), which provides a broader account of his travels and experiences, including more extensive anthropological and geographical observations.

His work is significant for its insights into the history of medicine, naval history, and the history of the Atlantic slave trade. While criticized in modern times for certain ethnocentric views and participation in the system of slavery through naval service, Atkins's detailed observations and practical medical advice provide valuable historical context.