Christopher Johnson (surgeon) facts for kids

Christopher Johnson (1782-1866) was an important surgeon from Lancaster, UK. He also served as the Mayor of Lancaster in 1832.

About His Life

Christopher Johnson was born in Lancaster, UK, in 1782. Sadly, both of his parents passed away by the time he was 12 years old. His father, James Johnson, had also been a doctor.

In 1812, Christopher Johnson married Mary Welch. They had at least two sons, named Christopher and James.

His Career and Work

In 1796, Christopher Johnson began learning to be a surgeon. He started as an apprentice in Preston. After that, he went to the University of Edinburgh to get his medical degree. His first independent medical practice was in Settle. He later became a member of the Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh, which was a big achievement.

In 1809, Johnson moved back to Lancaster. He became a surgeon for the local Lonsdale Militia, a type of local army. By 1812, he was a special surgeon at the Dispensary in Lancaster. This place offered free medical care to people who couldn't afford it.

Christopher Johnson was very interested in forensic medicine. This is the part of medicine that helps solve crimes. In 1813, he translated a French book into English. The book was called An Essay on the Signs of Murder in Newborn Children.

He also cared a lot about public health. In 1815, he helped set up a local Board of Health. This led to the creation of Lancaster's House of Recovery. This house could care for five patients, especially those with diseases that could spread easily.

Besides medicine, Johnson loved science, especially using microscopes. He shared his knowledge with people in his community. He was part of the Lancaster Medical Book Club and the Leeds Mechanic Institute. He even made microscope slides of fossils. These fossils were so interesting that an artist named Priscilla Bury drew them for a book.

In 1832, Christopher Johnson was chosen to be the Mayor of Lancaster. This shows he was a respected leader in his town.