John Hunter, angina pectoris and medical education.

Overview

The cardiac death of John Hunter, the 18th century surgeon and anatomist, occurred during a period of emerging understanding of the relation between angina pectoris and coronary artery disease. Although this association was first recognized by Edward Jenner, Hunter's pupil, consideration for his friend and teacher kept Jenner's insight unpublished during Hunter's lifetime. A fascinating controversy on medical education surrounded Hunter during his final year and probably contributed to his death.