James Ormiston McWilliam facts for kids
James Ormiston McWilliam (1808–1862) was a Scottish doctor who worked for the navy. He was a physician and wrote about diseases that spread easily. He is best known for being the main medical officer on an important trip to the Niger River in 1841.
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James McWilliam grew up in a town called Dalkeith. In 1827, he became a licensed surgeon from the Edinburgh College of Surgeons. This meant he was qualified to perform operations.
In 1829, he joined the Royal Navy as an assistant-surgeon. He worked abroad for seven years. After that, he became the main surgeon on a ship called HMS Scout. This ship was sailing off the west coast of Africa.
McWilliam came back to England in November 1839. He then studied more at medical schools and hospitals in London. In 1840, he earned his M.D. degree from Edinburgh. This is a high medical degree.
The Dangerous Niger Expedition
In September 1840, McWilliam was chosen for a big adventure. He became the senior surgeon on a steamer ship called the Albert. This ship was part of an expedition to the River Niger. The goals were to explore the area, find new trade routes, and help stop the Atlantic slave trade.
The Albert and two other ships left England on May 12, 1841. They entered the Niger River on August 18. But on September 4, a serious fever broke out on the Albert. Soon, the fever spread to the other two ships.
The other two ships had to turn back to the sea. They were full of sick and dying people. The Albert had to continue the journey alone. By October 4, the Albert also had to turn back.
For several days, McWilliam and another officer, William Stanger, managed the ship. Most of the other officers and crew were too sick to help. In ten days, they reached the open sea. A few days later, McWilliam himself became ill.
Out of 145 Europeans on the trip, 130 got the fever. Forty of them died. But among 158 Africans, only 11 got sick, and only 1 died. McWilliam finally returned to England on November 19, 1841.
Investigating Yellow Fever
After serving two more years at sea, McWilliam went on a special mission. He was sent to the Cape Verde Islands. His job was to investigate a yellow fever outbreak. This fever had attacked people on the island of Boa Vista. It happened soon after a ship called HMS Eclair arrived there.
McWilliam's report showed that the yellow fever had been brought to Boa Vista by the Eclair ship. This report was given to the British parliament and printed in 1847.
Later Achievements and Legacy
In 1847, McWilliam became a medical officer for the custom house. He kept this job until he passed away.
He received many important honors for his work. In 1848, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very respected group of scientists. In 1858, he became a Companion of the Order of the Bath. This is a special award from the British monarch. In 1859, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London.
McWilliam was also a member of the Epidemiological Society. This group studies how diseases spread. He worked hard to make sure that naval medical officers received proper recognition for their important work.
James McWilliam died on May 4, 1862. He passed away from injuries after a fall at his home. He left behind his wife and several children.
His Important Writings
McWilliam wrote a book called Medical History of the Niger Expedition in 1843. This book was very popular. It described the fever, how it affected the body, its causes, and how it was treated. It also included information about medicine among African people and vaccination. The book even talked about how the ships were ventilated and included weather observations.
He also wrote other articles and reports for medical journals. These included:
- Remarks on Dr. Gilbert King's Report on the Fever at Boa Vista, 1848.
- Exposition of the Case of the Assistant-Surgeons of the Royal Navy, 3rd edit. 1850.
- Further Observations on that portion of Second Report on Quarantine by General Board of Health which relates to Yellow Fever Epidemic on board H.M.S. Eclair, and at Boa Vista, 1852.
- On the Health of Merchant Seamen (reprinted from Transactions of the Social Science Association, 1862).
