By 1806 the medical structure within the U.K. was well established with three ‘legitimate’ medical groups licensed and regulated by their respective ‘governing bodies.

 At this time 'physician' was the only medical discipline which required a University Medical Degree and who was entitled to call themself ‘doctor’. Surgeons also served an apprenticeship of between 5 & 7 years following which they might (but were not obliged to) take the examination to become a member of the Royal College of Surgeons. From 1801 all surgeons in the Army Medical Services were required to be members of the Royal College of Surgeons.

 Whilst the understanding of anatomy (what everything looks like and where it is meant to fit) was well established, physiology (what each bit actually does, how it works and more importantly, how they work together to form ‘systems’) and the causes of disease were not. Disease was still thought to be caused by ‘corrupt matter’ flowing within and able to affect any part of the body.  It just wouldn’t have made sense to the Napoleonic surgeon that removing an inflamed appendix could save the patient’s life.  

Army surgeons were designated as either 'Staff' or Regimental Battalion)  Surgeons. Staff surgeons were the ‘consultant surgeons’ of the hospitals whilst Regimental Surgeons were, in effect, the units GP’s.  Although 'appointed' by the Surgeon General, patronage also played a part in regimental appointments. 

From 1803 line regiments (of more than 500 men) had an establishment of one surgeon and two assistants though on campaign, a battalion would be fortunate to have a full compliment of surgeons.  The surgeon held the rank of Captain, as does ours.