James Fellowes (physician) facts for kids
Sir James Fellowes (born around 1771, died December 30, 1857) was an important British military doctor. He became the leader of the medical team for the British Army during the Peninsular War. He was also chosen to manage the writings of a famous author named Hester Thrale.
Life of Sir James Fellowes
James Fellowes was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the third son of William Fellowes, who was also a doctor for the royal family. His younger brother, Thomas Fellowes, became a naval captain.
James went to Rugby School when he was young. After school, he joined the medical part of the British Army in June 1794. He then studied medicine at the University of Cambridge and in Edinburgh. He became a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 1803.
In October 1795, he became a doctor for the armed forces. He traveled with Admiral Christian's fleet to Santo Domingo. In 1804, he was sent to Gibraltar to help with a serious outbreak of contagious fever.
He returned to England in April 1806. In 1809, King George III made him a knight. This meant he was given the title "Sir." The King also made him the chief of the army's medical department in Cádiz, Spain. This was during the Peninsular War, a big conflict in Europe.
Sir James became a deputy inspector of hospitals in March 1813, then an inspector in April 1813. He retired in 1814. He had seen many epidemics, or widespread diseases, in places like Cádiz, Málaga, and Gibraltar. Because of this experience, he wrote a book in 1815. It was called Reports of the pestilential disorder of Andalusia. This book described the outbreaks in Cádiz between 1800 and 1813.
Later, Arthur Wellesley, a famous general, appointed Sir James to a local government role in Hampshire. In 1821, the author Mrs Piozzi (also known as Hester Thrale) left her writings to Sir James. He became her literary executor, meaning he was in charge of her manuscripts and notes after she passed away.
Important Fellowships
Sir James Fellowes was chosen to be a member of several important groups. Being a "fellow" means you are recognized as an expert in your field.
- In 1800, he joined the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
- In 1805, he became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians.
- In 1816, he was elected to the Royal Society, a very old and respected scientific group.
Family Life
In 1816, Sir James Fellowes married Elizabeth. She was the oldest daughter of Joseph James. Elizabeth's sister was married to the famous geologist William Henry Fitton. Sir James and Elizabeth had one son, who was also named Thomas Fellowes.
