John MacAlister facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John MacAlister
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_Wellcome_V0028740.jpg)
portrait photo courtesy of Wellcome Trust
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| Born |
John Young Walker MacAlister
10 May 1856 Perth, Scotland
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| Died | 1 December 1925 (aged 69) London
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| Nationality | Scottish |
| Citizenship | United Kingdom |
| Occupation | Librarian |
| Known for | Secretaryship of the Royal Society of Medicine |
Sir John Young Walker MacAlister (born May 10, 1856, died December 1, 1925) was a clever Scottish man. He worked as a journalist, editor, and librarian. He also helped people learn more about medicine after they finished medical school. He was the main leader (Secretary) of the Royal Society of Medicine for many years, from 1901 to 1925. He even helped start this important group!
Contents
Early Life and Learning
John Y. W. MacAlister went to school at the Liverpool Institute High School for Boys. Later, he studied at the University of Edinburgh. He spent three years learning medicine there. However, he got sick and could not finish his medical studies.
Becoming a Librarian
After leaving university, John started working in libraries. From 1877 to 1880, he was a sub-librarian at the Liverpool Library. Then, from 1880 to 1887, he worked as a librarian at the Leeds Library.
In 1887, MacAlister was appointed Librarian of the newly founded Gladstone Library of the National Liberal Club. However, after only a few months, he was elected on 9 August 1887, Resident Librarian of the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society (RMCS) — the forerunner of the RMS. From then on, he devoted most of his time and energy to the RMCS and its successor, the RSM which consisted of the fusion of 18 societies in 1907. In 1901 he had been appointed Secretary of the Society while retaining control of the library as Consultant Librarian.
In 1887, John became the librarian for the new Gladstone Library. This library was part of the National Liberal Club. But just a few months later, he got a new job. He became the Resident Librarian for the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society (RMCS). This group later became the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM).
John spent most of his time helping the RMCS and then the RSM. In 1907, 18 different medical groups joined together to form the RSM. In 1901, he became the Secretary of this important society. He also continued to manage the library as a special librarian.
Journalism and Library Work
Besides his library jobs, John also worked as a journalist. He wrote for newspapers like the Leeds Mercury and the Yorkshire Post.
In 1889, he started his own journal called The Library. He was the owner and editor of this journal. From 1887 to 1889, he was also the Honorary Secretary for the Library Association. He helped this association get a special Royal Charter in 1889. This charter made the association officially recognized by the King or Queen.
Helping During World War I
During World War I, John MacAlister played an important role. He was the Honorary Secretary for the War Office's Surgical Advisory Committee. This committee gave advice on surgeries during the war.
He also helped organize the Emergency Surgical Aid Corps. This group provided emergency medical help for the Navy (Admiralty), Army (War Office), and London Police. Because of all his hard work during the war, he was given the title of Sir in 1919. This means he was knighted by the King.
His Family
John Y. W. MacAlister had a brother named Sir Donald MacAlister. John married Elizabeth Batley on January 7, 1875, in Edinburgh. They had two sons together. Their older son was named Donald Alexander MacAlister.
