John Imray facts for kids
John Imray (January 11, 1811 – August 22, 1880) was a very important person from the island of Dominica. He was a doctor, a scientist who studied plants (a botanist), and even a politician. He helped many people with his medical skills. He also learned a lot about the plants and trees of Dominica.
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Early Life and Medical Training
John Imray was born in Scotland on January 11, 1811. He became a doctor in 1831. He earned his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh.
Moving to Dominica
In 1832, Dr. Imray moved to the island of Dominica. His older brother, Keith, was already working there as a doctor. John Imray quickly became the most important doctor on the island. He was known for his great skills and hard work.
Doctor and Plant Expert
Dr. Imray was not just a doctor; he was also a botanist. He combined his medical knowledge with his love for plants. For example, in 1848, he wrote a book about fevers in Dominica. It described how he treated patients with medicines like quinine.
He also wrote about the useful trees of Dominica in 1862. This book described 169 different trees. He explained what each tree could be used for, like building houses or ships.
Working with Kew Gardens
For almost 50 years, Dr. Imray wrote letters to Sir William Hooker and his son, Joseph Dalton Hooker. They were in charge of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in England. Many plants were named in Dr. Imray's honor because of his work.
Later Life and Politics
Forty-three years after arriving in Dominica, Dr. Imray was joined by another doctor, Dr. Henry A. Alford Nicholls. Dr. Nicholls shared many of Dr. Imray's interests. They both cared about local diseases and gardening.
Dr. Imray was also very active in the government of Dominica. He was a trusted advisor to all the governors. He lived on an estate called St. Aroment, just outside the capital city of Roseau. After he passed away, his property went to Dr. Nicholls and his family.
John Imray never married. He died at his home on August 22, 1880, from dysentery. He was buried at St. George's Church in Roseau. A memorial was placed there by his friends.
A special part of the Princess Margaret Hospital in Roseau was named after Dr. Imray. A new hospital, the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, is now being built on the same site.
Other Publications
- Observations Illustrating the Characters of a Febrile Epidemic which Prevailed in Dominica in 1838.
- Observations on the Mal d'Estomac or Cachexia Africana, as It Takes Place among the Negroes of Dominica
- Observations on the Nature, Causes, and Treatment of Yellow Fever
- Monkeys in the West Indies
