Arthur Brooke Faulkner facts for kids

Sir Arthur Brooke Faulkner (1779–May 23, 1845) was an important Irish doctor who served in the military and also wrote books. He was known for his medical work, especially during a serious plague outbreak, and for his entertaining travel stories.

Early Life and Education

Arthur Brooke Faulkner was born in 1779, the youngest son of Hugh Faulkner from Castletown, County Carlow, Ireland. His mother came from the Cole family of Enniskillen.

He began his studies at Trinity College, Dublin, in 1795, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. He focused on subjects like chemistry, anatomy, and dissection. Later, he continued his medical training at the University of Edinburgh, earning his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 1803.

After Edinburgh, he spent two years in London, gaining practical experience at hospitals like the London Hospital and the Westminster Hospital. He also attended the Surrey Dispensary. He continued to collect degrees from various famous universities, including Catharine Hall, Cambridge and Pembroke College, Oxford, which showed his dedication to learning.

Medical Career and Achievements

In 1807, Sir Arthur became a candidate for the College of Physicians of London and was officially elected as a fellow in 1808. This was a significant achievement for a doctor at that time.

He was appointed as a physician to the armed forces and served in different countries, including Spain, Holland, Sicily, and Malta. His most notable work happened in Malta in 1813. The plague, a very dangerous disease, arrived there after 140 years. Sir Arthur played a crucial role in understanding how the disease spread. He strongly believed that the plague was contagious (meaning it could spread from person to person). He also helped set up strict quarantine procedures, which are ways to isolate sick people or those who might be sick, to stop the disease from spreading further. His efforts helped keep the outbreak under control.

When he returned to England in February 1815, he was knighted, which means he received the title "Sir" from the King, for his excellent service. He was also appointed as a physician to the Duke of Sussex, a member of the royal family.

Writings and Travel Adventures

After retiring from military service in 1815, Sir Arthur settled down as a doctor in Cheltenham, England. Besides his medical work, he was also known for his interesting travel books.

In 1810, he published a paper called 'Considerations on the Expediency of Establishing an Hospital for Officers on Foreign Service.' He also shared his experiences with the plague in the 'Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal' in 1814. He even gave evidence to the House of Commons (part of the British Parliament) in 1819, explaining why he believed the plague was contagious. In 1820, he published a detailed book about the Malta plague outbreak called 'Treatise on the Plague.'

Sir Arthur also wrote three popular travel books:

• Rambling Notes and Reflections (1827): This book described his visit to France.
• Visit to Germany and the Low Countries (1833): This two-volume work covered his travels in Germany and countries like Belgium and the Netherlands.
• Letters to Lord Brougham (1837): This book was about his visit to Italy.

His travel writings were considered very good and entertaining. He often included his thoughts on home affairs, even if they didn't directly relate to his travels. He explained that he included these thoughts because he hoped they might do some good. His most entertaining work, 'Visit to Germany,' was dedicated to the Duke of Sussex, who he believed shared his views against "obscurantism" (the practice of preventing facts or full details of a matter from becoming known).

Later Life

Sir Arthur Brooke Faulkner passed away at his home in Evington, near Cheltenham, on May 23, 1845. He was 66 years old. In 1810, he had married a daughter of Mr. Donald M'Leod.