George Martine (physician) facts for kids
George Martine (1700–1741) was a Scottish doctor. He was known for his medical writings and for traveling with a British expedition.
George Martine's Life
George Martine was born in Scotland in the year 1700. His father was also named George Martine, and he was a historian.
George went to the University of St. Andrews for his education. In 1715, there was a big event called the Jacobite rebellion of 1715. This was when supporters of the Old Pretender (who wanted to be king) tried to take over. George led some students in a small riot. They rang the college bells when the Old Pretender was announced.
Later, George studied medicine. He first went to the University of Edinburgh in 1720. Then, he studied at the University of Leyden in the Netherlands. He earned his medical degree there in 1725. After finishing his studies, he returned to Scotland. He started his medical practice in St. Andrews.
In October 1740, Martine joined a British expedition. He went as a doctor for the soldiers. This expedition was part of the War of Jenkins' Ear. The goal was to attack Spanish lands in America.
The leader of the expedition, Charles Cathcart, 8th Lord Cathcart, died. This happened on Dominica on December 20, 1740. After Lord Cathcart's death, Martine became the main doctor for the attack on Cartagena. This attack was led by Edward Vernon (see Battle of Cartagena de Indias).
While in Cartagena, George Martine became very sick. He caught a "bilious fever," which is a type of serious fever. He died from this illness in 1741. Even though he was away, he had been chosen as a member of the Royal Society. This is a famous group for scientists.
George Martine's Writings
Martine wrote several important books and papers.
- De Similibus Animalibus et de Animalibus Calore libri duo, London, 1740. This book was about animals and heat.
- Essays Medical and Philosophical, London, 1740. This was a collection of six essays. Two of these essays were very popular. They were about how thermometers are made and how heat works in different things. These two essays were printed again in 1772 and 1792.
- In B. Eustachii Tabulas Anatomicas Commentarii, published by Dr. Monro, Edinburgh, 1755. This book was about anatomical drawings.
He also wrote articles for medical journals. These included the Edinburgh Medical Essays and the Philosophical Transactions.
Martine also wrote a book called Examination of the Newtonian Argument for the Emptiness of Space in 1740. In this book, he disagreed with Isaac Newton's ideas about empty space. This led to a debate with another scientist, Colin Maclaurin. Maclaurin wrote a book defending Newton's idea that empty space exists.
