Martin Wall facts for kids

Martin Wall (1747–1824) was an important English doctor and teacher. He was known for his work in medicine and for educating others.

Wall was the son of another famous doctor, John Wall. He was born in Worcester in 1747.

Early Life and Education

Martin Wall went to school at Winchester College. Later, he studied at New College, Oxford, starting in 1763. He earned several degrees there, including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1770, a Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1771, and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in 1773. He was also a fellow at his college for many years.

To become a doctor, Wall studied medicine in London at St. Bartholomew's Hospital. He also studied in Edinburgh, which was a leading center for medical education at the time.

Medical Career and Teaching

In 1774, Martin Wall returned to Oxford to begin his medical practice. He quickly became a respected doctor. In 1775, he was chosen to be a physician at the Radcliffe Infirmary, a well-known hospital.

Wall was also a dedicated teacher. In 1781, he became a reader in chemistry. This meant he taught chemistry at the university. He gave an important speech about studying chemistry, which he later published. This publication also included his thoughts on ancient symbols in science and observations about diseases in the South Sea Islands. He even had tea with the famous writer Dr. Samuel Johnson in 1784, and they discussed his ideas about doctors traveling to different places.

In 1785, Wall was given a very important role: the Lichfield Professor of Clinical Medicine at Oxford. He held this position until he passed away. This role meant he was in charge of teaching medical students how to treat patients.

Important Works and Recognition

Martin Wall helped publish his father's medical writings in 1780. In 1786, he wrote his own book called Clinical Observations on the Use of Opium in Low Fevers. This book also included his observations on a serious illness, typhus fever, that affected Oxford in 1785.

His contributions to medicine were recognized by his peers. In 1787, he became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. He gave a special speech called the Harveian Oration in 1788. In the same year, he was also elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very high honor for scientists.

Martin Wall passed away on June 21, 1824. The writer James Boswell described him as a "learned, ingenious, and pleasing gentleman." Wall was married and had a son named Martin Sandys Wall (1785–1871), who also had an important career as a chaplain.