James Lorrain Smith facts for kids
James Lorrain Smith (born August 21, 1862 – died April 18, 1931) was a Scottish scientist. He was a pathologist, which means he studied diseases and how they affect the body. He was famous for his work on how humans breathe, especially with another scientist named John Scott Haldane.
Early Life and Education
James Lorrain Smith was born in a small village called Half Morton in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. His father, Walter Smith, was a minister. James had several talented brothers and sisters. His sister, Annie Lorrain Smith, became a well-known scientist who studied fungi.
James went to school in his local area. Later, he attended George Watson's College in Edinburgh. He first studied general arts at the University of Edinburgh. He earned his MA degree in 1893.
After that, he decided to study medicine at the same university. He became a doctor in 1889. He then continued his studies in pathology at the University of Cambridge. He also studied at universities in Strasbourg and Copenhagen. In Copenhagen, he learned how to analyze gases in blood.
Career and Research
James Lorrain Smith became a professor at the Queen's College, Belfast in 1901. In 1904, he moved to the University of Manchester to teach pathology. Later, in 1912, he returned to the University of Edinburgh as a professor.
During the First World War, James Lorrain Smith made important contributions. He helped create an antiseptic called "Eusol". This was a special solution used to clean wounds. He also suggested using charcoal in gas masks to protect soldiers.
He worked closely with John Scott Haldane on how humans breathe. They studied how oxygen is carried by the blood throughout the body. Their research was very important for understanding human respiration.
One of his discoveries is sometimes called the "Lorrain Smith effect". This describes what happens when someone breathes in too much oxygen. It can cause a condition where the lungs are affected by too much oxygen.
Later Life
James Lorrain Smith became a member of the Royal Society of London in 1909. This is a very old and respected group of scientists. In 1919, he also became a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
He passed away on April 18, 1931. A special ceremony was held at the University of Edinburgh to remember his work.
Family Life
In 1895, James Lorrain Smith married Isabella Edmond.
