Charles Cameron (physician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Charles Cameron
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| Born |
Charles Alexander Cameron
16 July 1830 |
| Died | 27 February 1921 Dublin
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Citizenship | British |
| Known for | Head of the Public Health Department of Dublin Corporation for over 50 years. |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Public health, medical hygiene, chemical analysis |
| Institutions | Dr Steevens' Hospital, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin Corporation |
Sir Charles Alexander Cameron (born July 16, 1830 – died February 27, 1921) was an important Irish doctor, chemist, and writer. He played a huge role in making sure people understood and used good medical hygiene (which means keeping clean and healthy to prevent sickness). For more than 50 years, he was in charge of the Public Health Department in Dublin Corporation, which was like the city's health office. He also became the President of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in 1885.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Charles Cameron was born in 1830 in Dublin, Ireland. His father, Captain Ewen Cameron, was from Scotland, and his mother, Belinda Smith, was from County Cavan.
He started learning about chemistry and how to make medicines in Dublin. In 1852, he became a professor at the new Dublin Chemical Society. He also kept studying medicine at different schools and hospitals in Dublin. In 1854, he traveled to Germany. There, he earned degrees in philosophy and medicine. While in Germany, he even translated German poems and songs into English!
In 1862, he married Lucie Macnamara, who was also from Dublin.
Helping People's Health
When Charles Cameron came back to Ireland, he became a science expert for the British government. He helped with important legal cases by using his knowledge of chemistry.
In 1862, he became the official public analyst for Dublin City. This meant he tested things like food and water to make sure they were safe. Later, his job grew to cover 23 counties in Ireland! In 1867, he became a Professor of Hygiene at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). He also taught chemistry at Dr Steevens' Hospital and the Ledwich School of Medicine.
From 1858 to 1863, he was an editor for the Agricultural Review magazine. He wrote many articles about different topics for it. He also edited the Dublin Hospital Gazette and wrote many reports about public health for the Dublin Journal of Medical Science. During this time, he worked with many farming groups and won several awards.
Improving Dublin's Health
In 1874, Sir Charles became a Medical Officer of Health for Dublin Corporation. Two years later, he became the Chief Medical Officer. This was a very big job! Dublin had a lot of poverty and sickness back then. His main goal was to improve the health of everyone in the city.
He suggested many ways to make homes cleaner and safer. He made sure that unhealthy houses were either fixed up or closed down. He wrote many reports about sanitation (keeping things clean), hygiene, and how poor people lived. He also wrote about healthy eating habits, especially for those who didn't have much money.
Because of his important job, he met many famous people, including members of the royal family and government leaders. He was part of several clubs in Dublin and often had dinner with important visitors. He wrote about these experiences in his memories.
Leading Medical Organizations
In 1884, he became the vice-president of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland. The very next year, he became its president! In 1885, he was made a knight, which meant he was given the title "Sir." This honor was for his scientific research and his great work in public health.
In 1886, he wrote a book called History of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and of the Irish Schools of Medicine. This book included nearly 300 biographies (life stories) of Ireland's most famous doctors.
Family Life
Sir Charles Cameron married Lucie Macnamara in 1862. She passed away in the early 1880s. They had eight children together.
He was also a very active member of the Freemasons in Dublin. He held important positions, including Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1911, Sir Charles Cameron was given the honor of being a "Freeman of the City" of Dublin. This meant he was recognized as a very important citizen. Many people, from the Lord Mayor to the Lord Lieutenant, honored him.
Sir Charles Cameron passed away at his home in Dublin on February 27, 1921. He was buried in Mount Jerome Cemetery. He left behind a son, Ernest Stuart Cameron, and two daughters, Lucie Gerrard and Helena Stanley. His work greatly improved public health and hygiene in Ireland.
Works
- Reminiscences of Sir Charles A. Cameron, CB, 1913
- History of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and of the Irish Schools of Medicine 1886
See also
