James Alderson facts for kids
Sir James Alderson (born December 30, 1794 – died September 13, 1882) was an important English doctor. He was born and lived mostly in Kingston upon Hull. He became the President of the Royal College of Physicians, which is a very important group for doctors in England.
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Sir James Alderson's Early Life
James Alderson was the younger son of another doctor, John Alderson. He went to school in Hull, where he grew up. When he was still a teenager, he traveled to Portugal. There, he worked for a wine merchant. This was just as the Peninsular war was ending.
Alderson's Education and Medical Training
After returning to England, James Alderson started studying at Pembroke College, Cambridge in 1818. He was a very smart student. In 1822, he earned his first degree. He then continued his studies at Magdalen Hall, Oxford. In 1829, he received his M.D. degree, which means he was officially a medical doctor.
He joined the Royal College of Physicians in 1826. This college is a professional body for doctors. He worked for a short time in London. He was a doctor at the Carey Street Dispensary.
Returning to Hull and London Practice
When his father passed away, James Alderson took over his large medical practice. This meant he became a very busy doctor in Hull. He also worked in nearby areas like Lincolnshire. He was chosen to be a doctor at the Hull Infirmary. He cared a lot about improving education in his hometown.
Around 1850, he moved back to London. He set up his medical practice in Berkeley Square.
Leadership in Medicine
When St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington was founded in 1851, Alderson became a senior doctor there. He held this important position for many years. In 1867, he was elected President of the Royal College of Physicians. This was a very high honor for a doctor.
President of the Royal College of Physicians
Alderson was the treasurer of the college from 1854 to 1867. He was very interested in how the college was run. He was especially proud of finding the college's original charter. This important document was granted by King Henry VIII and had been lost for a long time.
He served as president for four years, until 1870. His polite manners and pleasant personality made him a good leader. He also represented the college at the General Council of Medical Education.
Royal Recognition and Contributions
In 1869, James Alderson was given the honor of knighthood. This meant he became "Sir James Alderson." In 1874, he was appointed as a special doctor to the queen.
Sir James was also a fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group for important scientists. He wrote papers for their publications. He also gave special lectures called the Lumleian lectures. He was asked twice to give the famous Harveian oration, in 1854 and 1867. This was quite unusual and showed how respected he was.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir James Alderson loved to read many different books. He was also very good at observing people and events. He once met Bishop Wilberforce when the bishop was sick in Italy. They traveled home together. Alderson enjoyed telling funny stories about their journey.
In 1847, he published a book. It was about 'Diseases of the Stomach and Alimentary Canal'. This book shared his wide experience with important stomach illnesses.
Sir James Alderson passed away at his home in Berkeley Square. He was buried at West Norwood Cemetery.
