Francis Barker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis Barker
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| Born | 1773 |
| Died | 8 October 1859 (aged 86) Wellington Road, Dublin
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Alma mater | Edinburgh University |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | medicine |
Francis Barker (1773–1859) was an important Irish doctor. He is best known for his work tracking and understanding fever outbreaks. He helped many people in Ireland during difficult times.
Contents
Francis Barker's Story
Early Life and Education
Francis Barker was born in Waterford, Ireland, in 1773. He was one of six children in his family. He went to school in Edinburgh, Scotland. While studying there, he became friends with the famous writer Sir Walter Scott.
In 1795, Francis Barker earned his medical degree (MD). His studies focused on the ideas of Luigi Galvani. Galvani suggested that electricity might be linked to how our nerves work.
Helping People in Ireland
In 1810, Francis Barker opened what is thought to be the first fever hospital in Ireland. This was a big step in fighting diseases and helping sick people. He also taught Chemistry at Trinity College, Dublin from 1808 to 1850.
From 1820 to 1832, he worked as the Secretary for the Irish Board of Health. In this role, he helped manage public health across Ireland.
Family Life
Francis Barker married Emma Conolly in 1804. Emma was the daughter of a vicar from Donard, County Wicklow. They had four daughters and one son. Their son, William (1810–1873), followed in his father's footsteps. William later became a professor of chemistry himself. He taught at the Royal College of Science for Ireland.
Important Discoveries and Works
Francis Barker was involved in several important projects. From 1826, he helped edit the Dublin Pharmacopeia. This was a book that contained important information about medicines and how to use them.
He also worked with another doctor, John Cheyne. Together, they wrote a two-volume book in 1821. It was called An account of the rise, progress and decline of the fever lately epidemical in Ireland.
Their work was very important. It showed a clear connection between poverty and poor hygiene. They proved that these conditions helped spread diseases like typhus between 1816 and 1819. This understanding helped doctors and leaders fight future outbreaks.
