Richard Laming (c. 1798–3 May 1879) was a British surgeon, natural philosopher, inventor, chemist and industrialist. There is some uncertainty about his origins. It is believed that he was born in Margate, England on 17 August 1799, the son of James Laming, a packet owner, and Sarah Walton. He had an elder brother James, born 1791, who was a prosperous merchant. In 1825, Richard qualified for membership of the Royal College of Surgeons, and he established a practice in London. He applied for several patents: