John Ayrton Paris facts for kids
John Ayrton Paris (born 1785 – died 1856) was a British physician. He is best known for possibly inventing the thaumatrope. This was a simple toy that made pictures seem to move. He shared it with W. Phillips in April 1825.
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About His Life
John Ayrton Paris was a very busy doctor and scientist. He wrote about accidents caused by explosives in mines. He also gave talks on chemistry to the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall. He was even the first secretary of that society.
In 1844, he became the president of the Royal College of Physicians. He held this important job until he passed away. He also became a Fellow of the Royal Society in June 1821. This showed he was a respected scientist. John Ayrton Paris believed in using plant-based medicines that were studied scientifically.
We are not completely sure when or where John Ayrton Paris was born. Some records say August 7, 1785. Some say he was born in Cambridge, while others say Edinburgh. He definitely had connections to Edinburgh.
His Important Books
John Ayrton Paris wrote many important books. These books covered different topics, especially medicine and science.
Medical and Science Books
- Pharmacologia (1820): This book was about medicines and how they work. It was very popular and had many new editions.
- Medical Jurisprudence (1823): He wrote this book with another person. It was about how medicine and law connect.
- Elements of Medical Chemistry (1825): This book taught about the chemistry used in medicine.
- Treatise on Diet (1826): This book was about healthy eating.
He also wrote biographies of other doctors for the Royal College. He wrote the first life story of a famous scientist named Sir Humphry Davy in 1831.
Science for Fun
Around 1824, Paris wrote a special book called Philosophy in Sport made Science in Earnest. The full title was Being an Attempt to Implant in the Young Mind the First Principles of Natural Philosophy by the Aid of the Popular Toys and Sports of Youth.
This book showed how everyday toys and games could teach you about science. It was first published without his name on it in 1827. Later editions gave him credit for writing it.
About Cornwall
- A Guide To The Mount's Bay And The Land's End (1828): This book was a guide to a beautiful part of western Cornwall, England. It talked about the area's plants, farming, fishing, old buildings, and even its mines and rocks.
