Harry Swift (medicine) facts for kids

Harry Swift (born August 7, 1858 – died September 29, 1937) was an important doctor, researcher, and professor who was born in England and later worked in South Australia. He was known for his work at the Adelaide Children's Hospital. There, he discovered a new illness in children, which was first called Swift's disease. Today, we know this condition as acrodynia or "pink disease." He also served as the head of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Adelaide.

Early Life and Education

Harry Swift was born in Ely, Cambridgeshire, England. His father was John Swift. Harry went to school at King's School, Ely. After that, he studied at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, a famous university. He also trained at St. George's Hospital, London.

He earned his first medical degree (M.B.) from Cambridge in June 1883. Later, in 1887, he received his advanced medical degree (M.D.). From 1885 to 1886, he worked at the Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in London, which is a well-known hospital for kids.

Medical Career in Australia

In December 1887, Dr. Swift moved to South Australia and settled in Adelaide. He joined a medical practice with Dr. Charles E. Todd. In 1890, he opened his own general practice in Franklin Street, Adelaide, and later moved it to Victoria Square.

Dr. Swift became an Assistant Physician at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1891. For many years, he was in charge of the skin department there. In 1910, he became a Senior Physician, a position he held until 1921. After that, he became a consulting physician, meaning he offered expert advice.

At the University of Adelaide, Dr. Swift started teaching about children's diseases in 1912. In 1915, he took over from Sir Joseph Verco as a lecturer on medical principles and practices, teaching until 1922. He also became the Dean (head) of the Faculty of Medicine from 1924 to 1926.

Discovering Swift's Disease

In 1890, Dr. Swift joined the medical team at the Adelaide Children's Hospital. He stayed connected to this hospital until 1918, when he became a consulting physician there. He visited the hospital every day and offered advice.

In 1914, Dr. Swift presented a paper at a medical conference in New Zealand. In this paper, he described a new disease he had observed in children. He called it "erythroedema." This illness later became widely known as "pink disease" or "Swift's disease." Today, it is medically known as acrodynia.

Other Activities and Interests

Dr. Swift was a person with many interests outside of medicine:

• While at Cambridge University, he was very involved in rowing. He was the captain of the Caius Boat Club and even rowed in the University Trial Eights in 1879.
• He was a member of the Royal Adelaide Golf Club. He won the club championship five years in a row and often served as the club captain.
• Dr. Swift was a member of the British Medical Association for many years. He was its president from 1898 to 1899 and its honorary secretary from 1893 to 1897.
• He helped start the Medical Defence Association, which protects doctors. He was the president of this association for a long time.
• He also wrote many articles for medical journals, sharing his knowledge with other doctors.

Recognition and Later Life

Dr. Swift was recognized for his contributions. He was elected vice-president of the Children's Hospital board. In 1919, he was given the special honorary title of "life governor" for his dedication.

Harry Swift passed away at his home in North Adelaide at the age of 79.

Family Life

Harry Swift married Kate Marian Lilian Peacock on April 23, 1890, at Christ Church, North Adelaide. Kate was the youngest daughter of Joseph Peacock, who was a politician.

Harry and Kate had three sons:

• Harry Houghton Swift (1891 – 1964) became an electrical engineer and had a successful career in England.
• Sir Brian Herbert Swift (1893 – 1969) followed in his father's footsteps and became a well-known doctor, specializing in obstetrics and gynaecology.
• Major Neville Cropley Swift (1895 – 1918) was a soldier who fought in the Great War (World War I). He served with the East Lancashire Regiment and the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment. Sadly, he died from injuries he received during the Battle of the Somme. He was awarded the Military Cross and the Distinguished Service Order for his bravery.