Henry Herbert Southey facts for kids

Henry Herbert Southey (born 1784, died 1865) was an important English doctor. He was known for his medical work and for being the younger brother of the famous poet, Robert Southey.

Early Life and Education

Henry Herbert Southey was born in Bristol on January 18, 1784. His father was Robert Southey and his mother was Margaret Hill. He was the younger brother of the well-known poet, Robert Southey.

Henry went to private schools near Great Yarmouth. His brother Robert wanted him to study anatomy in London. This plan didn't work out. Instead, Henry studied surgery in Norwich with Philip Meadows Martineau. Martineau was a very respected surgeon of his time. Henry and Martineau kept their professional connection for many years.

While in Norwich, Henry also met William Taylor. Taylor encouraged Henry to explore other subjects beyond medicine.

University Studies

In November 1803, Henry Southey began studying at the University of Edinburgh. There, he became good friends with Sir William Knighton and Dr. Robert Gooch. He was good at speaking Latin and often used it to talk with his friends.

After his time in Edinburgh, he spent a winter studying in London. The next year, he settled in Durham. However, in 1812, he moved back to London. This move was suggested by his friend, Sir William Knighton.

Medical Career and Achievements

Henry Southey became a licensed doctor with the Royal College of Physicians in December 1812. He was later elected a fellow of the college in June 1823. In April 1825, he was also elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists.

Key Medical Roles

• In 1815, he became a physician at the Middlesex Hospital. He worked there until 1827.
• He gave the important Harveian oration speech in 1847.
• In 1823, he was appointed a physician to King George IV.
• In 1830, he became a physician to Queen Adelaide.
• From 1833, he worked as a visitor in lunacy for the Lord Chancellor. This meant he helped oversee the care of people with mental health issues.
• In 1836, he became a commissioner in lunacy. This role involved making sure mental health care was properly managed.
• He was also a Gresham Professor of Medicine from 1834 until his death in 1865.

In 1847, the University of Oxford gave him an honorary D.C.L. degree. He lived in Queen Anne Street in London. His wife, Louisa, passed away in 1830. They had seven young children, including Reginald Southey, who also became a doctor.

Henry Herbert Southey died on June 13, 1865. He was buried in Highgate Cemetery.

Published Works

Southey's tombstone in Highgate Cemetery

In 1814, Henry Southey published a book titled ‘Observations on Pulmonary Consumption’. This book was about a serious lung disease. He also wrote the life story of his friend, Dr. Gooch. This story was part of a book called ‘Lives of British Physicians’, published in 1830. He also wrote articles for different medical magazines.