John Wylie (surgeon) facts for kids

John Wylie (1790–1852) was an important Scottish military doctor who lived in the 1800s. He became a very high-ranking surgeon in the army in India.

His Life and Career

John Wylie was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on May 20, 1790. His father was George Wylie. John studied hard to become a surgeon, which is a type of doctor who performs operations.

In 1812, when he was 22, John joined the Madras Army as an Assistant Surgeon. This army was part of the East India Company, a powerful British trading company that also controlled parts of India.

He served as a doctor during the Third Maratha War in 1817 and 1818. He was praised for his brave actions during the Battle of Corygaum in January 1818. Being "mentioned in dispatches" meant his bravery was officially recognized.

In 1825, he became a full Surgeon. He continued to rise through the ranks. In 1846, he became the Inspector General of all Indian Hospitals. This meant he was in charge of all the army hospitals in India.

Then, in 1851, he reached the very top position: Surgeon General of India. This made him the chief medical officer for the entire British army in India.

In 1844, John Wylie was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. This is a special honor for skilled surgeons.

In 1850, Queen Victoria gave him another great honor. She made him a Commander of the Order of the Bath (CB). This was a very important award, and John Wylie was the first military doctor ever to receive it.

In 1852, he was also elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers in Scotland. Andrew Douglas Maclagan helped him get this honor.

John Wylie sadly died suddenly on June 16, 1852. He passed away at his home called Arndean, which was near Dollar, Clackmannanshire in Scotland.

After his death, Arndean went to George Wylie, who was either his son or his nephew. Today, the beautiful gardens of Arndean are open for people to visit through a special scheme in Scotland.