David James Hamilton facts for kids
David James Hamilton (born March 6, 1849 – died February 19, 1909) was a Scottish doctor who studied diseases. He was especially known for his important work on illnesses that affected sheep. He was a member of the Royal Society of London and the Royal Society of Edinburgh, which are very respected groups for scientists.
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About David Hamilton's Life
David Hamilton was born in a town called Falkirk, Scotland, on March 6, 1849. He was one of nine children. His father, George Hamilton, was also a doctor and wrote for Chambers's Encyclopædia, a well-known encyclopedia.
Becoming a Doctor
When David was 17, he started studying medicine in Edinburgh. He became very interested in pathology, which is the study of diseases and how they affect the body. A professor named William Rutherford Sanders inspired him.
After finishing his studies in 1870, David worked in different hospitals. He even wrote an award-winning essay about problems with the spinal cord. This award helped him travel for two years to places like Vienna, Munich, and Paris. There, he learned even more about pathology from experts.
Working in Edinburgh and Aberdeen
In 1876, David returned to Edinburgh. He taught pathology and worked at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary hospital.
In 1882, David Hamilton moved to Aberdeen to become a professor of pathology at the university there. This was a very important job, and he stayed in Aberdeen for the rest of his career.
New Ways of Teaching and Diagnosing Diseases
David Hamilton was a pioneer in teaching. He was the first to include practical lessons in bacteriology (the study of tiny living things like bacteria) for all his students. This meant students got to do hands-on experiments.
He also started a new way to diagnose diseases like diphtheria and typhoid fever in northern Scotland by looking for bacteria. This helped doctors figure out what was making people sick more quickly.
Recognized for His Work
Because of his important contributions, David Hamilton was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1881. Later, in 1908, he became a Fellow of the even more famous Royal Society of London. In 1907, the University of Edinburgh gave him an honorary doctorate, which is a special award for his achievements.
David Hamilton passed away on February 19, 1909, in Aberdeen.
David Hamilton's Important Discoveries
David Hamilton spent a lot of time studying diseases that affected sheep, especially two called braxy and louping ill. These diseases were a big problem for farmers.
Solving Sheep Diseases
In 1901, he became the head of a special committee that looked into these sheep diseases. Their report came out in 1906.
- He confirmed what another scientist, Ivar Nielsen, had said about the microbe (a tiny living thing) that causes braxy.
- Even more importantly, David Hamilton discovered the specific germ, or bacillus, that causes louping ill. This was a major breakthrough!
He also wrote many articles and a textbook about different areas of pathology. He studied the nervous system, lung diseases like tuberculosis, and how wounds heal. His two-volume textbook on pathology, published between 1889 and 1894, became a very important book for other doctors and scientists.
David Hamilton's Family Life
David Hamilton was married twice:
- In 1880, he married Elizabeth Griffith. They had two sons and one daughter.
- In 1894, he married Catherine Wilson. She passed away in 1908, and they did not have any children.
Images for kids
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A portrait of David James Hamilton.
