James Makittrick Adair facts for kids

James Makittrick Adair (1728–1801) was a Scottish doctor and writer. He was known for his medical books and his strong opinions. He also wrote about social issues of his time. Adair spent many years working as a doctor in the West Indies. He later returned to Scotland and continued his medical practice.

Early Life and Education

James Makittrick Adair was born in Scotland in 1728. He later changed his last name to Adair in 1783. His father was either a tax officer or a doctor in Ayr. James Adair studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. He earned his medical degree in 1766. His main study was about Yellow Fever. After finishing his studies, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

A Doctor's Journey

After medical school, Adair worked on a navy ship called HMS Porcupine. This ship sailed to the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. He then moved to Antigua, where he helped manage a large farm. After several years, he visited America and met Benjamin Franklin. He later returned to Britain.

When the American Revolutionary War began, Adair went back to Antigua. There, he worked as a doctor at Monk's Hill. He also served as a judge in the local courts. In 1783, Adair left the West Indies for good. He settled in Bath, England, and continued his work as a doctor.

Writing and Strong Opinions

James Adair was a busy writer. He mostly wrote medical books. Some of his famous works include Medical Cautions for the consideration of Invalids. This book talked about the health benefits of spa towns like Bath. He also wrote An essay on diet and regimen. Adair was very against "quackery," which means fake medical practices. He often argued with other doctors and people outside of medicine. This was because he had a very strong personality.

Adair also wrote other types of books. He published spiritual and funny stories. One of his most talked-about writings was from 1790. It was a pamphlet called Unanswerable Arguments against the Abolition of the Slave Trade. In this writing, Adair used his experiences from Antigua. He argued that the system of slavery was better for enslaved people than being free. This view was very controversial.

Family Life

James Adair was married several times. He had a daughter named Anne Adair. He also had a son, who was also named James Makittrick Adair. His son was a friend of the famous poet Robert Burns. The younger James also became a doctor. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh in 1793.

Later Years and Death

James Makittrick Adair died in Ayr, Scotland, in 1801. He was buried in the churchyard of Alloway Auld Kirk. Some older records mistakenly said he died in 1802 in Harrogate. However, those details actually belong to his son, who had the same name.