Francis Walshe facts for kids
Sir Francis Martin Rouse Walshe (born September 19, 1885 – died February 21, 1973) was an important British doctor who studied the brain and nerves. Doctors who specialize in this field are called neurologists. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very high honour for scientists.
His Life and Work
Francis Walshe was born in London. He went to school at Prior Park College and University College School. Later, he studied medicine at University College Hospital in London from 1903 to 1910. He earned several degrees, showing his dedication to learning about the human body.
After finishing his studies, he worked at important hospitals in London, including the National Hospital, Queen Square. During the First World War (1915-1919), he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was a special doctor for the British soldiers in Egypt and the Middle East, helping those with nerve problems. For his service, he received an award called the OBE in 1919.
Sir Francis Walshe was a pioneer in understanding how human reflexes work. Reflexes are quick, automatic movements our bodies make, like when you pull your hand away from something hot without thinking. He was also very interested in how the brain controls movement and how we feel pain.
From 1937 to 1953, he was the editor of a very important scientific journal called Brain. In this journal, he shared his research on how the brain's outer layer (called the cerebral cortex) helps us move. He also wrote about how our nerves help us sense pain.
He passed away in 1973 at the age of 87. His son, John Michael Walshe, also became a doctor. He helped find a way to treat a serious illness called Wilson's disease, using a medicine called penicillamine.
Awards and Honours
Sir Francis Walshe received many awards and honours for his important work in medicine:
- 1929: He gave a special lecture at the Royal College of Physicians.
- 1941: He received an honorary doctorate degree from the National University of Ireland.
- 1946: He was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society, a very respected group of scientists.
- 1948: He gave the Harveian Oration, another important lecture at the Royal College of Physicians.
- 1950–51: He was the President of the Association of Neurologists.
- 1952–54: He served as the President of the Royal Society of Medicine.
- 1953: He gave the Ferrier Lecture at the Royal Society.
- 1953: He was made a Knight Bachelor, which means he could use the title "Sir" before his name.
- 1959: He received another honorary doctorate from the University of Cincinnati.
- 1962–64: He was the President of the Royal Society of Hygiene and Public Health.
- 1964: He became a Fellow of University College, London.
