Names of Britain's first doctors released by Ancestry.co.uk

Ancestry.co.uk has launched details of Britain's first doctors to mark the 150th anniversary of the General Medical Council.

The site's list contains details of 1.5 million doctors approved by the council between 1858 and 1950. It includes doctor's names, practice addresses, their university of qualification and date of registration.

The database provides a vital historical reference point for those researching British medical history or their own family history. By 1950 there were over 150,000 registered GPs, physicians and surgeons.

Among those listed are pioneers who greatly influenced the field of medicine, including Dr Joseph Lister (registered 1858). Dr Lister introduced antiseptic procedures into surgery, leading to a significant increase in survival rates. Prior to regulation, the reputation of British medicine had been blighted by 'quackery'.