James Hamilton (physician) facts for kids
James Hamilton (1767–1839) was an important Scottish doctor. He helped start the Lying-In Hospital in Edinburgh in 1791. This hospital was a special place where women could go to give birth. He was also the leader of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh from 1812 to 1815. For many years, from 1800 to 1839, he taught medicine and midwifery (the practice of helping women during childbirth) at the University of Edinburgh.
Life and Career
James Hamilton was born in Edinburgh in 1767. His father, Dr Alexander Hamilton, was also a well-known doctor. James went to the High School in Edinburgh. After that, he studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, where his father was one of his teachers.
He also traveled to study in other places like Paris and Leiden. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of St Andrews in 1792. In 1800, he took over his father's role as a professor at the University of Edinburgh. He taught about midwifery, which is the medical care given to women during pregnancy and childbirth.
In 1810, James Hamilton became a member of the Aesculapian Club, a group for doctors. Later, in 1824, he was recognized for his work and became a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
In 1825, James Hamilton had a disagreement with another doctor named James Crawford Gregory. They argued about whether studying midwifery should be a required part of the university's medical course. Hamilton believed it should be. He went directly to the city's leader, the Lord Provost, to get approval for his idea. When Dr. Gregory next met Hamilton, he hit him with his walking stick. Gregory was fined £100 for this attack.
After James Hamilton passed away, another famous doctor, James Young Simpson, took over his teaching position at the university.
Family and Final Years
James Hamilton was married twice. His first wife was Isabella (1770-1809), and his second wife was Mary Anne (1775-1837). He lived in a house at 23 St Andrew Square in Edinburgh's New Town. His younger brother was Rev Henry Parr Hamilton.
James Hamilton died on November 21, 1839. He was buried with his family in St Cuthbert's Churchyard in Edinburgh. The family's burial place is near the entrance to Princes Street Gardens.
