Alexander Tweedie facts for kids
Dr Alexander Tweedie (born August 29, 1794 – died May 30, 1884) was an important Scottish doctor and writer. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a big honor for scientists.
Contents
Life Story
Early Years and Learning
Alexander Tweedie was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on August 29, 1794. He went to the Royal High School there for his early education. In 1809, he started studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Around the same time, he also learned from John Henry Wishart, a surgeon at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
On August 1, 1815, Tweedie earned his medical degree (M.D.). In 1817, he became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. This meant he was a recognized expert surgeon. At this time, he lived at 16 Nicolson Street in Edinburgh.
Moving to London
Tweedie was chosen as one of two house-surgeons at the Royal Infirmary. Robert Liston was the other. In 1818, Tweedie started his own medical practice in Edinburgh. He wanted to specialize in eye surgery. But in 1820, he moved to London. He lived in Ely Place and, on June 25, 1822, he became a licensed doctor with the College of Physicians.
He became a full fellow of the college on July 4, 1838. He also held important roles there in 1853, 1854, and 1855. He gave special lectures, called Lumleian Lectures, in 1858 and 1859. In 1866, he was made an honorary fellow of the King's and Queen's College of Physicians in Ireland.
Important Medical Roles
In 1822, Tweedie became an assistant doctor at the London Fever Hospital. In 1824, he became the main doctor there after John Armstrong retired. He held this job for 38 years. He left in 1861 but was still a consulting doctor and a vice-president.
In 1836, he was also chosen as a doctor for the Foundling Hospital. He worked for the Standard Assurance Company and was an examiner in medicine at the University of London. He was also an honorary member of the Medical Psychological Association.
Later Life
Tweedie was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society on February 8, 1838. This is a very high honor for scientists and researchers. He continued to practice medicine even when he was 89 years old. He passed away at his home, Bute Lodge, in Twickenham, on May 30, 1884.
His Writings
Tweedie wrote many medical books and articles.
- He wrote A Practical Treatise on Cholera in 1832 with Charles Gaselee. A "treatise" is a detailed written work about a specific subject.
- He was the original idea-maker for the Cyclopædia of Practical Medicine. A "cyclopaedia" is like an encyclopedia, a large collection of information. This work was published in London between 1831 and 1835 in four volumes. He was also one of its editors.
- He also planned and edited the Library of Medicine, which came out in eight volumes between 1840 and 1842.
- He wrote Clinical Illustrations of Fever (London, 1828).
- He also wrote Lectures on the Distinctive Characters, Pathology, and Treatment of Continued Fevers (1862).
