Grant David Yeats facts for kids

Grant David Yeats (1773–1836) was an important doctor and writer from England and America. He lived a long time ago, from 1773 to 1836.

About Grant David Yeats

Early Life and Education

Grant David Yeats was born in Florida. His father, David Yeats, was also a doctor and worked as the Secretary for the East Florida Colony. Grant went to Hertford College, Oxford University in 1790. He studied hard and earned several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts (M.A.), and Bachelor of Medicine (M.B.). He also studied in Dublin and later earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Trinity College, Oxford in 1814. Before starting his career, he spent time learning in Edinburgh and London.

Working as a Doctor

Yeats began his medical practice in Bedford, England. He played a key role in setting up the Bedford general infirmary, which was like a hospital. He also helped create a special hospital for people with mental health issues near the town. He became the main doctor for both of these important places. While in Bedford, he became good friends with influential people like Samuel Whitbread and John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford.

Moving to Dublin and London

In 1806, the Duke of Bedford was chosen to be a leader in Ireland. Yeats went with him to Dublin as his personal doctor. While there, Yeats helped start the Dublin Humane Society, which worked to help people in need. He also became a member of Trinity College, Dublin. When the Duke returned to England in 1807, Yeats went back to Bedford. He even served as the mayor of Bedford for a time. Around 1814, he moved to London. There, he became a member of the Royal College of Physicians, a very respected group of doctors. He gave special lectures, like the Gulstonian lecture in 1817 and the Croonian lecture around 1826. Interestingly, during his Croonian lecture, he spoke against using the stethoscope, a tool doctors use to listen to hearts and lungs.

Later Life and Legacy

Grant David Yeats was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1819. This was a great honor, showing his contributions to science. He passed away in Tunbridge Wells on November 14, 1836. He was married to the daughter of Patrick Colquhoun.

His Writings

Grant David Yeats was also a medical writer. His most important book was called Observations on the Claims of the Moderns to some Discoveries in Chemistry and Physiology. It was published in London in 1798, after he had settled in Bedford. In this book, he highlighted the experiments of John Mayow, an earlier scientist whose work had been forgotten. Yeats's book helped bring Mayow's important discoveries back into public attention.

Yeats also wrote other works, including:

• 'An Address on the Nature and Efficacy of the Cowpox in preventing the Smallpox,' published in London in 1803. This book was about how cowpox could help prevent smallpox.
• 'A Statement of the Early Symptoms which lead to Water on the Brain,' published in London in 1815, with a second edition in 1833. This book discussed signs of a serious medical condition.
• 'A Biographical Sketch of the Life and Writings of Patrick Colquhoun,' published in London in 1815. This was a short biography about his father-in-law.

He also wrote many articles for medical journals like 'Annals of Medicine,' the 'Medical and Physical Journal,' and 'Medical Transactions.'