John Allen (physician) facts for kids
John Allen (born around 1660, died 1741) was a clever English doctor and inventor. He is best known for writing popular medical textbooks. He also came up with some really cool inventions, like an early idea for a steamship!
Contents
Meet John Allen
Early Life and Medical Career
John Allen became a doctor, though we don't know exactly where he studied. On September 13, 1692, he was allowed to practice medicine by the Royal College of Physicians. He worked as a doctor in a town called Bridgwater, in Somerset, England. He likely lived there until he passed away.
A Popular Medical Author
In 1719, John Allen published a very important book. It was called Synopsis universæ Medicinæ practicæ. That's a long Latin name, but it basically means "A Summary of Practical Medicine."
This book became super popular! It was printed many times, both in England and in other countries. It was also translated from Latin into other languages. The book focused on practical medical advice. It didn't get into new theories of the time. Instead, it shared the ideas of many different doctors, both old and new. John Allen also added his own observations, especially in later versions of the book.
Amazing Inventions
John Allen was not just a doctor; he was also an inventor! In 1729, he got patents for several of his ideas. A patent is like a special permission that protects an inventor's new idea.
Improving Steam Engines
One of his inventions was a new way to save coal. This was for the big engines that used fire to pump water. These were like the early steam engines invented by Thomas Savery and Thomas Newcomen. John Allen's idea was to put the fire inside the boiler. This would make the engine use less coal.
The First Steamship Idea
He also had an amazing idea for a ship. He thought his improved steam engine could be placed on a ship. This engine would push water out of the back of the ship. This would make the ship move forward, even when there was no wind! If this idea had been built, it would have been one of the very first models of a steamship.
Other Clever Ideas
John Allen also invented a new way to dry malt. Malt is a special grain used to make drinks like beer. He is also said to have invented a new kind of chariot. This chariot had steel springs, which was a very new and comfortable idea for vehicles back then.
Joining the Royal Society
In 1730, John Allen was chosen to be a member of the Royal Society. This is a very old and famous group in England for scientists. Back in 1716, he had shared an idea with them. It was a plan for a "Perpetual Log" for ships. This device would help sailors keep track of how fast and how far their ship was traveling.
Later Life
John Allen passed away on September 16, 1741. His son, Benjamin Allen, later became a Member of Parliament for Bridgwater.
