James Beaney facts for kids
James George Beaney (born January 15, 1828, in Canterbury, England – died June 30, 1891, in Melbourne, Australia) was an important person. He worked as a surgeon, a politician, and someone who gave a lot to charity. He was a member of the Victorian Legislative Council (a type of parliament) in Australia from March 1883 until he passed away.
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Early Life and Education
James Beaney was born in Canterbury, Kent, England. He went to school there and began studying surgery with a teacher named Mr. W. J. Cooper. Later, he continued his medical studies at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, in Paris, France, and at Guy's Hospital in London.
He officially became a surgeon in Edinburgh. Before moving to Australia, he worked as an assistant surgeon for the Scots Guards, a famous army regiment. He served in places like Gibraltar and later as a main surgeon for Turkish soldiers during the Crimean War. After the war, he traveled to America several times.
Medical Career in Australia
In 1858, Dr. Beaney moved to Melbourne, Australia. He started working as an assistant to another doctor, Dr. John Maund. When Dr. Maund died, James Beaney took over his medical practice.
In 1860, he became a surgeon at the Melbourne Hospital. He also worked as a surgeon for the Royal Victorian Artillery (a military group) for most of his life. That same year, he was chosen to be a member of the Royal Society of Victoria, a group that promotes science.
He was re-elected as a surgeon at the hospital in 1875, even though many other doctors strongly disagreed. In 1878, Dr. Beaney visited England. He had a special job from the Australian government to report on medical topics. He was also a member of the Medical Society of Victoria and wrote many articles about medicine.
Political Work in Australia
In 1883, after a tough election, James Beaney was chosen to be a member of the Victorian Legislative Council for the North Yarra area. This was a part of the government in Victoria, Australia. He was re-elected in 1885 for another six years. In that election, he won against James Munro, who later became the leader of Victoria.
Dr. Beaney also wrote several medical books, including one called "Contributions to Conservative Surgery." He was very generous and gave a lot of money to public places in his hometown of Canterbury. He also offered special prizes for medical students.
His Legacy
James Beaney passed away in Melbourne on June 30, 1891. In his will, he left a large sum of money, £10,000, to create "The Beaney Institute for the Education of the Working Man" in Canterbury, England. Today, this place is known as the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge. He also left parts of his money to the University of Melbourne, other hospitals in Melbourne, and various charities.
