The second son of Joseph Parker, the bookseller, of St Michael's, Oxford. He matriculated at Wadham College on December 8th, 1827, in which year he attended the lectures of Dr C G B Daubeny (1795-1867), took a pass degree in 1831, and is remarkable as being the first Oxford graduate among the Fellows and the first member of the University to be elected Surgeon to the Radcliffe Infirmary. After studying in London he settled in practice at Oxford, where his father allowed him £750 to buy a house and £4,400 for the purchase price of his partnership. He was elected Surgeon to the Radcliffe Infirmary on January 27th, 1836, receiving 152 votes as against 51 votes cast for his competitor, William Fisher. He treated Dr Routh, President of Magdalen, when he was bitten by his gardener in a fit of madness. He died on December 19th, 1848, at his residence in St Aldate's, leaving a wife, five sons, and two daughters. His surgical instruments were presented by his father to the Radcliffe Infirmary. Parker seems to have had considerable skill as a surgeon, and his opinion was always valued. He was instrumental in bringing about improved sanitary conditions in the wards of the Radcliffe Infirmary.