John Brenan (physician) facts for kids

John Brenan (born around 1768 – died 1830) was an Irish physician and writer. He was known for his medical work, especially for finding a treatment for a serious fever, and for his satirical writings in his own magazine.

Brenan was born in Ballaghide, Carlow, Ireland, around 1768. He was the youngest of six children. His family was Roman Catholic and owned some land. Brenan started writing early, contributing short poems and witty sayings to magazines in Dublin in 1793. He studied medicine and became a doctor in Glasgow. Around 1801, he began his medical practice in Dublin.

Writing and Rivalry

For a while, Brenan wrote poems for the Irish Magazine, which was started in Dublin in 1807 by Walter Cox. Later, Brenan had a disagreement with Cox. Brenan then decided to start his own magazine called the 'Milesian Magazine, or Irish Monthly Gleaner'. The first issue came out in April 1812. In this magazine, Brenan often wrote critical articles about Cox.

Medical Discoveries

Brenan was very active and enjoyed gymnastics and wrestling. Around 1812, a serious illness called puerperal fever (a fever that affects women after childbirth) and other internal infections were very common in Dublin. Brenan found a helpful treatment using turpentine preparations. He successfully treated many patients with this new method.

Most of the doctors in Dublin at that time belonged to the College of Physicians. Brenan felt that the College tried to limit his medical practice because he was not a member. He believed that some Dublin doctors did not want to use his new treatment because they were jealous. However, doctors in other parts of Ireland, as well as in England and Scotland, successfully used his remedy.

In 1813, Brenan published a pamphlet in Dublin called 'Essay on Child-bed Fever'. In this book, he openly criticized the College of Physicians. He continued his criticism in the 'Milesian Magazine', writing poems and articles that made fun of important members of the College.

Political Writings

Brenan also wrote articles that criticized people who were working for Catholic emancipation. This was a movement to give more rights to Catholics in Ireland. Some people believed he received money from the government for writing these articles.

Many of Brenan's critical writings were clever adaptations of old Latin texts. He would change them to fit current events and people, making them very sharp and witty. One of his well-known pieces was about Daniel O'Connell, who was just starting his career as a political leader.

The 'Milesian Magazine' was not published very often. The last known issue was printed in 1825. In this issue, Brenan wrote a letter to the Marquis of Wellesley, who was the leader of Ireland at the time. In his letter, Brenan asked for an investigation into how the Lying-in Hospital in Dublin was run. He also explained how he discovered his successful turpentine treatment. Brenan passed away in Dublin in July 1830.