A missing leg did not stop the amazing Josiah Wedgwood from becoming so famous we all know his name. At age 38, Josiah (1730-1795) had his leg amputated even though he knew there was no anesthetic and most patients died of shock during the surgery. It was the custom for the patient to pay for the surgery and the funeral before the operation. He survived and created jasper and other pottery that made "Josiah Wedgwood and Sons" a worldwide success even today. The company was so successful the name was "borrowed" as early as the 1860s, when other makers used the mark "Wedgwood & Co." Josiah sometimes used "...& Sons" but never used "... & Co." Judging from our mail, this causes lots of confusion for today's collectors. The most valuable pottery is made by Josiah's company.