Christopher Johnson (physician) facts for kids

Christopher Johnson (or Jonson) was a very smart English person who lived a long time ago, from about 1536 to 1597. He was many things during his life: a doctor, a teacher, and a poet who wrote in Latin.

Life Story

Christopher Johnson was born around 1536 in a place called Kedleston in Derbyshire, England. When he was about 13 years old, in 1549, he became a student at a famous school called Winchester College. After that, he went to New College, Oxford, which is a well-known university. He worked hard and became a permanent member of the college in 1555. He earned his first university degree (Bachelor of Arts) in 1558 and a higher degree (Master of Arts) in 1561.

Becoming a Headmaster

In 1560, when Johnson was around 24, he was recommended to a very important person, Archbishop Matthew Parker. He was then chosen to be the headmaster (the main teacher or principal) of Winchester College, the same school he had attended! He stayed in this important teaching job for ten years.

From Teacher to Doctor

Even while he was the headmaster at Winchester, Christopher Johnson had another big dream: he wanted to be a doctor. He actually started practicing medicine in Winchester while still teaching. He earned his medical degree (Bachelor of Medicine) from Oxford in 1569 and became a full Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in 1571.

In 1570, he decided to leave his teaching job at Winchester and moved to London. There, he focused on his medical practice. Around 1580, he became a member of the important London College of Physicians. He held several important positions there, like being a "censor" (checking on other doctors) and a "treasurer" (managing money).

Christopher Johnson passed away in London in July 1597. He left behind a good amount of money and several children.

His Writings

Christopher Johnson was known as one of the best Latin poets of his time. He wrote several poems and even published a Latin version of an ancient Greek story called Ranarum et murium pugna, which means "The Battle of the Frogs and Mice."

He also wrote three poems about Winchester College, where he was headmaster. These included a poem about the founder of the school, William of Wykeham, and lists of the headmasters and teachers. These poems were published in a book of poems by another writer in 1573.

In 1564, Johnson helped publish two speeches by a scholar named Richard White. These speeches were about different subjects like arts, philosophy, and public speaking.

Medical Advice

Johnson's only medical book was called Counsel against the Plague, or any other Infectious Disease. This book gave advice on how to deal with serious illnesses like the plague, which was a very dangerous disease back then. It also included a question about whether it was safe to "purge" (cleanse) the body during hot summer days.

Sources

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "Johnson, Christopher". Dictionary of National Biography 30. (1892). Ed. Sidney Lee. London: Smith, Elder & Co.