John Burdon-Sanderson facts for kids
Sir John Scott Burdon-Sanderson (born December 21, 1828 – died November 23, 1905) was an important English scientist who studied the human body and how it works (a physiologist). He was born near Newcastle upon Tyne and came from a well-known family in Northumberland. He was also a member of the Royal Society, a famous group of scientists.
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His Life and Discoveries
John Scott Burdon-Sanderson was born in Jesmond, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, on December 21, 1828. His father was Richard Burdon and his mother was Elizabeth Sanderson.
He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and in Paris. After finishing his studies, he moved to London. In 1856, he became a Medical Officer of Health for Paddington. This meant he was in charge of public health for that area. A few years later, he became a doctor at the Middlesex Hospital and the Brompton Consumption hospitals.
Investigating Diseases
When a serious disease called diphtheria appeared in England in 1858, John Burdon-Sanderson was sent to investigate it. He also looked into other diseases like the cattle plague and cholera in 1866. His work helped people understand how these diseases spread.
Early Science Discoveries
In 1871, he made an important observation. He noticed that a type of mold called Penicillium could stop bacteria from growing. This was a very early step towards the discovery of Alexander Fleming's penicillin, a medicine that fights infections.
He became the first leader (principal) of the Brown Animal Sanatory Institution in 1871. In 1874, he became a professor of physiology at University College London.
Moving to Oxford
In 1882, a new professorship for physiology was created at the University of Oxford, and John Burdon-Sanderson was chosen for the role. However, this caused a big debate. The university wanted to build a new laboratory for him to do his research. Some people were against this because of the cost. Others strongly opposed it because Burdon-Sanderson believed in using experiments on animals (called vivisection) to learn about diseases.
Many people, including famous figures like John Ruskin, were against animal experiments. Despite the strong opposition, the university eventually voted to approve the laboratory. In the same year, the Royal Society gave him a special award called a Royal Medal. They recognized his research into how plants create electricity and how tiny organisms cause disease. They also honored his contributions to understanding the body (physiology) and diseases (pathology).
In 1885, the university needed more money for the laboratory. Again, there was a big debate, but the money was granted.
Later Career and Honors
In 1895, Burdon-Sanderson became the Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford, a very important position. He retired from this role in 1904. In 1899, he was given the title of Baronet, which is a special honor.
He received many awards and honors for his work in biology and medicine. He gave important lectures to the Royal Society and the Royal College of Physicians. He was also the President of the British Association in 1893. He served on three Royal Commissions, which are special committees set up by the government to investigate important issues. These included commissions on hospitals, tuberculosis, and creating a university for London.
In 1902, he received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the Victoria University of Manchester.
John Scott Burdon-Sanderson passed away in Oxford on November 23, 1905. He is buried in Wolvercote Cemetery in Oxford.
Family Life
In 1853, John Scott Burdon-Sanderson married Ghetal Herschell, who was an author. She later wrote a book about his life. They did not have any children.
He was the uncle of another famous scientist, John Scott Haldane.
See also
- Discoveries of anti-bacterial effects of penicillium moulds before Fleming
In Spanish: John Scott Burdon-Sanderson para niños
