James Risdon Bennett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Risdon Bennett
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| Born | 29 September 1809 |
| Died | 24 December 1891 (aged 82) Cavendish Square, London, England
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| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | physician |
Sir James Risdon Bennett (born September 29, 1809 – died December 24, 1891) was an important English doctor. He was known for his work with chest diseases and for leading major medical organizations.
Contents
A Doctor's Life
Early Years and Education
James Risdon Bennett was born in Romsey, England, on September 29, 1809. He was the oldest son of James Bennett, who was a minister. James studied at Rotherham College in Yorkshire. When he was 15, he started learning medicine from Thomas Waterhouse in Sheffield.
In 1830, James traveled to Paris to continue his studies. After that, he went to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he earned his medical degree (M.D.) in 1833.
Starting His Career
After finishing his studies, James Bennett traveled to Rome with Lord Beverley. He spent a few summers traveling with important people.
When he returned to England in 1837, he began working as a doctor at the Aldersgate Street dispensary. He also taught medicine at the Charing Cross Hospital medical school and at Grainger's school of medicine.
Important Medical Roles
In 1843, James Bennett became an assistant doctor at St. Thomas's Hospital. He later became a full physician there in 1849. When the City of London Hospital for Diseases of the Chest opened in 1848, he was appointed as a physician there too.
He was also very active in medical groups. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1846. This meant he was recognized as a top doctor. In 1850, he was the President of the Medical Society of London. Later, in 1875, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very high honor for scientists.
Leading the Royal College
James Bennett settled in Finsbury Square after he got married in 1841. He became a very successful consultant, especially for people with chest problems. He was one of the first doctors to use the stethoscope, a tool doctors use to listen to your heart and lungs.
In 1876, he was chosen to be the President of the Royal College of Physicians. This was a big deal because he was the first president who hadn't gone to Oxford or Cambridge University. He held this important position for five years.
He was knighted in 1881, which means he was given the title "Sir" by the Queen. After this, he moved to Cavendish Square, where he passed away on December 14, 1891.
His Published Works
James Risdon Bennett also wrote several important medical books and essays:
- He translated a book by Wilhelm Kramer called Diseases of the Ear in 1837.
- He wrote an essay called Acute Hydrocephalus in 1842. This essay won a special gold medal from the Medical Society of London.
- In 1872, he published Intra-thoracic Tumours. This book was based on his Lumleian Lectures, which are special talks given by important doctors.
His Family
In June 1841, James Bennett married Ellen Selfe. She was the daughter of Reverend Henry Page. They had nine children together, and six of them lived to adulthood.
