John Alderson (physician) facts for kids
John Alderson (born 1758 – died 16 September 1829) was a famous English doctor. He was known for his medical work and for helping to start important scientific groups in his town.
Contents
Early Life and Challenges
John Alderson was born in Lowestoft, England, in 1758. His father, Reverend J. Alderson, was a minister. Sadly, his father passed away in 1760. This happened after a difficult legal case about money.
A kind merchant named Elisha Barlow wanted to help John's family. He left some land in Mutford to the church. The idea was to give more money to the minister. However, there was a special rule. If Reverend Alderson ever left the church, the land would become his family's forever.
To help the family get the land, the church members did something unusual. They officially asked Reverend Alderson to leave the church. This was so he could own the land. After he got the land, they invited him back to be their minister again.
Legal Troubles and Family Impact
Even with these good intentions, things did not go as planned. Other family members who were heirs disagreed with the plan. They took the case to court. The court decided that the gift of land was not legal. This was because of a law about giving land to churches.
Soon after, John's father became ill while giving a sermon. He passed away shortly after returning home. This was a very tough time for young John Alderson and his family.
Medical Career and Contributions
John Alderson became a respected doctor. He published several important books and essays during his career. These writings shared his medical knowledge with others.
Key Medical Writings
In 1788, he published An Essay on the Nature and Origin of the Contagion of Fever in Hull. This book explored how fevers spread. He also wrote An Essay on the Rhus Toxicodendron, or Sumach, and its Efficacy in Paralysis in 1782. This book was about using a plant called Sumach to help people with paralysis. It was so popular that it had three editions between 1794 and 1805.
Work at Hull Infirmary
In 1795, Dr. Alderson was chosen to be a physician at the Hull Infirmary. This was a hospital where he helped many patients. He was known for his dedication and public spirit. He also helped start and lead various groups in Hull that focused on learning and science.
Honoring Dr. Alderson
To remember his great work, a statue of Dr. Alderson was put up in 1833. People raised money to pay for it, costing £300. The statue stands on the lawn in front of the Hull Infirmary. It was created by a local artist named Thomas Earle.
Other Publications
Dr. Alderson also wrote a unique book called An Essay on Apparitions accounted for independently of Preternatural Agency (1823). In this book, he shared interesting stories of how people's minds can play tricks on them. These were cases he saw himself. He also wrote about farming. He published two editions of a book called On the Improvement of Poor Soils (1802 and 1807). He also wrote several editions of a book called "Orthographical Exercise."
Family Life
John Alderson's son, James Alderson, followed in his father's footsteps. James also became a doctor. He trained in medicine and then started his own practice in Hull. He quickly became a leading physician in the town, just like his father.
