Thomas Girdlestone (Holt, Norfolk, 1758 – 25 June 1822) was an English physician and writer.[1]
After a classical education at Gresham's School, Holt, Girdlestone joined the army as a surgeon's mate, serving under Colonel Sir Charles Stuart, governor of Menorca, and in India. In 1787 he entered Leiden University to study medicine, and after qualifying settled at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, where he practised as a doctor, wrote books on medicine, and was also a publisher.
It has been suggested that Girdlestone first advocated arsenic salts as a treatment for psoriasis and leprosy in 1806, but arsenical preparations have been used for skin diseases since the time of Galen.
In appearance, Girdlestone was tall and thin, liked to dress in black, with a white cravat, silk stockings and half-gaiters. He had a powdered head and pigtail and carried a gold-headed cane.
Girdlestone married the widow of the Reverend John Close, and they had one son.
