I'm also reading a book with a chapter or two on the medical schools around that era. Given that they operated without benefit of anesthesia, I can understand the need for fortitude... and resignation... **shudder**

I was searching on-line for an illustration by Hogarth of a medical school and, although unsuccessful in finding the exact item, stumbled across this website which might be of interest. Beware, even though they are generally cartoons, they are not for the squeamish!