Alfred Joseph Clark facts for kids
Professor Alfred Joseph Clark was a British scientist who studied how medicines work. This field is called pharmacology. He was born on August 19, 1885, and passed away on July 30, 1941.
He was known for showing that many fake medicines and "cures" didn't actually work. He also did important research on the placebo effect. This is when someone feels better just because they believe they are getting a real medicine, even if it's just a sugar pill or something similar.
Early Life and Education
Alfred Joseph Clark was born in a town called Glastonbury in England. His family were Quakers, which is a type of Christian group.
He went to school at Bootham School in Yorkshire. Later, he studied at the University of Cambridge. He finished his first degree in 1907 and earned a higher degree in 1910.
His Work as a Professor
After the First World War, Professor Clark worked as a professor in Cape Town University in South Africa for a short time. This helped him get a more important job.
In 1919, he became a Professor of Pharmacology at University College, London. He worked there until 1926. After that, he moved to the University of Edinburgh to teach about medicines and their uses.
He was recognized for his important work in science. In 1928, he became a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Then, in 1931, he was chosen to be a member of the Royal Society, which is a very old and respected group of scientists.
From 1934 to 1938, he also helped guide medical research as part of the Medical Research Council.
Professor Clark passed away in Edinburgh in 1941.
Military Service
Alfred Joseph Clark served his country during both World Wars.
During the First World War, he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps. This group provides medical care for soldiers. He showed great bravery in France and was awarded the Military Cross in 1917.
In the Second World War, he gave advice to the government about gas warfare. He was also one of the many people who had to be evacuated from Dunkirk during a famous military operation.
His Family
Alfred Joseph Clark met Beatrice Powell Hazell in Cape Town in 1918. They got married in 1919. They had two sons and two daughters.
One of his sons, David Clark, later became a well-known psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a doctor who helps people with their mental health.
