Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers (1827–1900) established himself as one of the leading figures who shaped contemporary medical anthropology and archaeology. During his time as a British Army officer (he later received the honorary rank of Lieutenant-General), he studied how different societies handled their health needs and treated their diseases. The medical field became his direct focus when he observed individual communities developing distinctive medical solutions through his military duties in Ireland, Malta, and Canada.

Through his methodical approach, he organized medical artifacts and practices chronologically to illustrate the historical development of medical technology across different cultures. His health-related collection included numerous instruments, protective charms, therapeutic devices, containers, and surgical tools from various societies worldwide. Pitt Rivers showed scientific curiosity and respect towards medical practices of non-Western traditions, refusing to dismiss them as superstitions.

His military experience provided him with practical knowledge of field medicine and public health challenges that informed his broader anthropological work. He revealed a sophisticated understanding of anatomy, pharmacology, and psychology among indigenous peoples. For instance, his documentation of trepanation tools and evidence of successful skull surgery in prehistoric populations challenged prevailing assumptions about the medical capabilities of ancient societies. Similarly, his records of herbal medicine preparations from various cultures provided early insights into the pharmacological properties of plants that would later be validated by modern science. His systematic approach to data collection proved particularly valuable in understanding disease patterns and treatment efficacy. By documenting the tools and techniques used in medical treatment as well as their success rates and cultural contexts, Pitt Rivers helped establish methodological foundations that would later become standard in epidemiological research and public health planning.

Pitt Rivers donated his immense collection to Oxford University on the condition they build a museum. The Pitt Rivers Museum was established in 1884 and functioned as a critical research and education center for the medical sciences. Medical practitioners and students benefited from observing the evolution of surgical instruments and studying various anatomical understandings. This cross-cultural medical exposure helped Western medical practitioners develop broader perspectives while learning to incorporate diverse medical methods and cultural competence into their practice. Pitt-Rivers showed that medical practices could emerge from any cultural background, regardless of technological level, which anticipated modern integrative medicine and validation of traditional healing practices. Through his work, he demonstrated the necessity of cultural considerations for health outcomes, which remains fundamental to current public health strategies.