Was apprenticed to Charles Smerdon, of Clifton, a relation and a "fine specimen of the old English surgeon-apothecary". He spent some time at St Bartholomew's Hospital, where he made lasting friendships, and after qualifying returned to Clifton, where he became partner with his old master (Messrs Smerdon, Burroughs and Cross). He built up during more than thirty years an extensive and fashionable practice, carrying it on alone after Smerdon had retired at a patriarchal age. John Addington Symonds, the leading physician in the West of England, gave him much support and assistance. He died suddenly on the morning of October 26th, 1875. Two sons and two daughters survived him. He lived at 7 Caledonia Place, Clifton.