Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Broughton, Samuel Daniel
BROUGHTON, SAMUEL DANIEL (1787–1837), army surgeon, was son of the Rev. Thomas Broughton, M.A., who became rector of St. Peter's, Bristol, in 1781. He was born in Bristol in July 1787, and was educated at the grammar school there, under the care of the Rev. S. Seyer, author of 'Memorials of Bristol.' After studying at St. George's Hospital he became assistant-surgeon of the Dorsetshire militia, and in October 1812 was appointed assistant-surgeon of the 2nd life guards, of which Mr. J. Carrick Moore, elder brother of the late General Sir John Moore, was then surgeon. Immediately afterwards Broughton was appointed additional surgeon with temporary rank, and placed in medical charge of the service squadrons of the regiment ordered abroad, with which he was present in the Peninsula and south of France to the end of the war. His campaigning experiences from Lisbon to Boulogne he related in a volume of 'Letters from Portugal, Spain, and France in 1812, 1813, and 1814' (London, 8vo, 1815). He was also with his regiment at the battle of Waterloo. In July 1821 he succeeded to the surgeoncy of the regiment on the resignation of Mr. Moore, who had just been granted a pension of 1,000l. a year in recognition of the distinguished services of his late brother. Residing constantly in London with his regiment, Broughton devoted himself with great assiduity to professional and scientific studies. A list of original papers, chiefly relating to physiological research, contributed by him to various scientific journals, will be found in the Royal Society's 'Catalogue of Scientific Papers,' 1800-63, vol. i. In conjunction with Mr. Wilcox, barrister-at-law, he produced and delivered some valuable lectures on forensic medicine and toxicology. He was elected a fellow of the Royal Society and of the Geological Society. In 1836 Broughton received an injury in the leg, caused by a fall, which resulted in disease of the ankle-joint, and eventually rendered amputation necessary. The operation was performed by the eminent surgeon Listen, but terminated fatally on the tenth day. The circumstances are related in fuller detail in 'Gent. Mag.' N.S. viii. 432. Broughton's death occurred at Regent's Park barracks on 20 Aug. 1837. He was interred at Kensal Green cemetery.
[Gent. Mag. new ser. viii. 432; Rose's New Biog. Dict. vol. v. (many of the details given appear to be incorrect); Army Lists; E. Soc. Cat. Scientific Papers, 1800-63, vol. i.; Brit. Mus. Cat.; Index Brit. Assoc. Reports.]