James Little (physician) facts for kids
James Little (born January 21, 1837 – died December 23, 1916) was an important Irish doctor. He started his career working on ships, even surviving a shipwreck! Later, he became the main doctor at the Adelaide Hospital in Dublin. He also became a special professor of medicine at Trinity College Dublin.
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Early Life and Becoming a Doctor
James Little was born in Newry, Ireland. He went to school in Cookstown and Armagh. When he finished school, he started training to be a doctor. He learned from Dr. John Cohan at the Armagh Fever Hospital. He also learned from Alexander Robinson, a surgeon.
In 1853, James wrote in his diary about his choice to become a doctor. He decided it was the right path for him. He then went to Dublin to study at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). He also practiced at different hospitals. By 1856, he had earned his medical diploma. After that, he worked at the Armagh County Infirmary.
Adventures as a Ship's Doctor
From 1857, James Little spent three years working as a doctor on ships. He sailed with the P. & O. Steam Packet Company. His voyages took him to and from India. He wrote about his experiences in his diary. He also mentioned times when he was unemployed in Calcutta.
In 1858, he was on a ship called the SS Ava. It was sailing from Calcutta to Suez. The ship was carrying people escaping the Indian rebellion. One of them was Lady Julia Inglis. Sadly, the ship hit rocks near Pigeon Island.
James Little wrote about the shipwreck in his diary. He spent a night in a small open boat. The next morning, he landed on shore. He then stayed in a tent on the beach. The crew tried to save things from the wrecked ship.
Becoming a Leading Doctor
After his time at sea, James Little returned to Ireland. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and became a doctor (M.D.) in 1861. He worked in private practice for two years. Then, he studied more in Europe before moving to Dublin.
In Dublin, he became a very successful doctor. Many people across Ireland sought his advice. He worked closely with Alfred Hudson, another well-known doctor. Hudson helped James get a job at the Adelaide Hospital. James taught students there for 46 years!
He became known as a wonderful teacher. People said he gave "brilliant and attractive" lectures. He also became a professor of medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). This was from 1872 to 1883.
In 1896, he attended a meeting at Dublin Castle. They discussed issues faced by Irish medical officers.
Important Roles and Awards
James Little held many important positions. In 1877, he helped start the Dublin branch of the British Medical Association. This group helps doctors work together.
In 1897, he was chosen to represent Ireland on the General Medical Council. This council oversees medical practice. He was very active and almost became its president.
He was also a key member of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. He served as its Registrar and later as its President from 1886 to 1888. People respected his wise advice. He also led The Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.
In 1898, he became the Regius Professor of Physic at Trinity College Dublin. He held this important role until he passed away. He helped with the final exams for medical students.
In 1900, Queen Victoria visited Dublin. James Little showed her daughter, Princess Christian, around the Adelaide Hospital. In 1909, he was president of a big meeting for doctors in Dublin.
He received special honorary degrees from the University of Dublin and the University of Edinburgh. He was also named "Honorary Physician-In-Ordinary to H.M. The King in Ireland." This meant he was a special doctor to the King.
Personal Life and Passing
In 1872, James Little married Anna Murdoch. They had three children, two sons and a daughter. Anna passed away in 1914.
James Little became unwell in July 1916. He passed away from heart failure on December 23, 1916. He was almost 80 years old.
Remembering James Little
After his death, many people shared kind words about James Little. His friend Walter G. Smith said that James was loved by his friends and patients. He called him the "beloved physician."
In 1922, a bronze plaque was placed in the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. It had a portrait of James Little. This plaque was put there by his fellow doctors. At the unveiling, people spoke about how much Trinity College respected him. They said he was "a good man as well as a great physician."
Images for kids
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James Little around 1890
