Marcus Seymour Pembrey facts for kids
Marcus Seymour Pembrey (born in 1868, died in 1934) was a very important British scientist. He was a physiologist, which means he studied how the human body works. He worked in many big hospitals and wrote several well-known medical books. Marcus Pembrey was so respected that he became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1922. This is a special honor for top scientists. Many of his students became famous doctors and surgeons. For about 30 years, he led the Physiological Debating Society at Guy's Hospital.
Marcus Pembrey's Life
Marcus Seymour Pembrey was born in Oxford in 1868. His father worked for the Oxford University Press, helping to prepare books. Marcus went to Oxford High School. When he was 17, he won a science scholarship to Christ Church, Oxford. In 1889, he earned a top degree in the new field of Physiology.
In 1892, he finished his medical studies at University College Hospital in London. He won several important awards for his work. He also received a special scholarship that allowed him to travel. He spent time in Germany, researching in laboratories. He worked with famous scientists like Walther Flemming and Adolf Eugen Fick.
He then returned to Oxford to teach Physiology. There, he worked with Professor J.S. Haldane. They studied the makeup of the air we breathe. In 1895, Marcus became a lecturer at Charing Cross Hospital in London. He also earned his MD degree from Oxford.
In 1895, Marcus married Elizabeth Cicely Crake. They were married in a church near Eastbourne.
In 1900, Marcus moved to Guy's Hospital in London. He became a Lecturer in Physiology there. Later, he became the main lecturer. In 1920, his job became a London University Professorship. He wrote many scientific papers for important journals. He also helped write several well-known medical books. Because of his amazing research in human physiology, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1922.
Marcus Pembrey was a popular speaker for many years. He often spoke or led discussions for groups like nurses, midwives, and school inspectors. He also worked with the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC).
During World War I, Marcus Seymour helped the War Office. He was on a committee that studied how food, training, and clothes affected soldiers. He even took part in marches with the troops to learn more. He famously said, "The human or horse works best when well fed, and feeds best when well worked." He also advised the Army Medical Service. He believed that shorter men often made better soldiers than taller ones. He also spoke about the importance of early marriages.
Many of his hundreds of students from Guy's Hospital became very successful doctors. They became famous physicians, surgeons, and other medical experts. For about 30 years, until he retired in 1933, he was the chairman and treasurer of the Guy's Hospital Physiological Debating Society. He was offered a special honor called the 'Freedom of the City of London'. But he politely said no because he didn't like getting awards.
Marcus and his wife Cicely had ten children. Most of them grew up to be doctors, vets, or nurses. Many of his grandchildren also chose medical careers. Marcus Pembrey passed away in 1934 at the age of 66.
Works
- Textbook of General Pathology [1]
