John Latham (1761–1843) facts for kids
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John Latham (born December 29, 1761 – died April 20, 1843) was an important English doctor. He became the President of the Royal College of Physicians, which is a very old and respected group of doctors. He also helped update their Pharmacopoeia, which is like a book of rules and recipes for medicines.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Latham was born in Gawsworth, England, on December 29, 1761. He was the oldest son of Reverend John Latham. John went to Manchester Grammar School for his early education. After that, he studied at Brasenose College, Oxford, starting in 1778. He earned his medical degrees there in 1786 and 1788. He also finished his medical training in London at St Bartholomew's Hospital.
A Doctor's Career
Dr. Latham started his career working as a doctor in Manchester and Oxford. In both cities, he was chosen to be a physician at the local hospitals. In 1788, he moved to London. The next year, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, which meant he was a recognized expert doctor.
He quickly became a physician at several hospitals, including the Middlesex Hospital and St Bartholomew's Hospital. He also became a special doctor to the Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV. This was a very important position!
Leadership in Medicine
John Latham was very active at the Royal College of Physicians. He was an examiner (called a censor) in 1790. He also gave important lectures there, like the Gulstonian lectures and the Harveian oration. From 1813 to 1819, he served as the President of the College. This shows how much other doctors respected his knowledge and leadership.
In 1801, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, another very important group for scientists. He also helped start the Medical Benevolent Society in 1816. This group aimed to help doctors who were in need. He stopped working in 1829.
Work on Diabetes
Dr. Latham was interested in treating diabetes, a condition where the body has trouble controlling blood sugar. He supported a special diet that was low in carbohydrates and high in meat, suggested by another doctor named John Rollo. In 1811, Dr. Latham wrote a book called Facts and Opinions Concerning Diabetes. He studied many cases of diabetes and found that while some patients did not recover, a few did improve on this meat-based diet.
Later Life and Legacy
John Latham passed away on April 20, 1843, at his home in Bradwall Hall. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Sandbach. Two famous paintings were made of Dr. Latham. One shows him as the President of the College of Physicians. A copy of this painting is still at Brasenose College, Oxford, where he studied.
Selected Publications
- On Rheumatism and Gout (1796)
- Facts and Opinions Concerning Diabetes (1811)
Images for kids
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Dr. Latham's gravestone at St Mary's Church, Sandbach.
