William Brinton (1823–1867) is best known for his studies of intestinal obstruction, and he published many works on the digestive system. He noted, for example, the efficacy of the chemical bismuth for treating gastric ulcers. Brinton studied medicine at King’s College, London and in 1852 was elected physician to the Royal Free Hospital in London. His methodical approach to studying the symptoms of disease, along with his intuitive and accurate diagnoses, meant that he soon developed a large and demanding practice as a physician. In 1860 he became physician at St Thomas’s Hospital, where he also taught forensic medicine and physiology, but was forced to resign after four years because of poor health. Outside his work, Brinton had a passion for mountain climbing in the Tyrol.