Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
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Oliver Wendell Holmes c. 1879
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| Born | Oliver Wendell Holmes August 29, 1809 Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Died | October 7, 1894 (aged 85) Boston, Massachusetts |
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (born August 29, 1809 – died October 7, 1894) was a very talented American. He was a doctor, a poet, a professor, a speaker, and an author. He was part of a group of famous poets called the Fireside Poets. These poets were popular because their poems were often read aloud by families around a fireplace.
His most famous writings are a series of books called the "Breakfast-Table" series. The first one was The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table, published in 1858. He also wrote a famous poem called "Old Ironsides." Besides his writing, he was an important doctor who helped improve medicine.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This was on August 29, 1809. His father was a minister and a historian. Young Oliver went to Phillips Academy, a well-known school.
After that, he attended Harvard College. He graduated from Harvard in 1829. He first studied law for a short time. However, he soon realized his true passion was medicine.
Becoming a Doctor
Holmes decided to study medicine. He went to medical schools in Boston. He also traveled to Europe to learn more. He studied in Paris, France, which was a leading center for medical knowledge.
He learned about new ways to treat patients. He became a doctor in 1836. He then started teaching at Dartmouth Medical School. Later, he became a professor at Harvard Medical School.
Medical Contributions
As a doctor, Holmes was very important. He believed in good hygiene for doctors. He taught that doctors should wash their hands. This was especially important when treating patients.
He wrote about how diseases could spread. His ideas helped save many lives. He was a true medical reformer.
A Famous Poet and Writer
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. was also a gifted writer. He wrote many poems and essays. He was known for his cleverness and humor. His works were often thoughtful and inspiring.
The Fireside Poets
He was one of the Fireside Poets. This group included other famous writers. They wrote poems that were easy to read. Their poems were popular with families. People often read them aloud by the fire.
"Old Ironsides"
One of his most famous poems is "Old Ironsides." He wrote it in 1830. The poem was about the USS Constitution. This was a famous American warship. The poem helped save the ship from being destroyed.
The Breakfast-Table Series
His "Breakfast-Table" series was very popular. These books were like conversations. They featured a wise character. This character shared thoughts on many topics. The first book was The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table. It was published in 1858.
He wrote two more books in the series. They were The Professor at the Breakfast-Table and The Poet at the Breakfast-Table. These books showed his humor and wisdom.
His Legacy
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. died on October 7, 1894. He was 85 years old. He left behind a great legacy. He is remembered as a pioneering doctor. He is also celebrated as a beloved poet and author.
His son, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., became a famous judge. He served on the U.S. Supreme Court. The Holmes family made important contributions. They helped shape American culture and law.
Images for kids
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Birthplace of Oliver Wendell Holmes in Cambridge
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Oliver Wendell Holmes in 1841
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USS Constitution under sail in 1997
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Daguerreotype showing Holmes's children, 1854: Edward Jackson Holmes, Amelia Jackson Holmes and Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
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Charles D. Meigs, an opponent of Holmes's theory regarding the contagious nature of puerperal fever, wrote that doctors are gentlemen, and "gentlemen's hands are clean".
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Holmes in 1853
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Holmes with Members of the Boston Society for Medical Improvement in 1853, seated second from left
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Reproduction of a Holmes-type stereoscope
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Holmes lived on Beacon Street, Boston, 1871–1894
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Holmes in his study during his later life
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Grave of Holmes and his wife at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts
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1858 facsimile of Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table
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Engraving of Holmes from The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes, published by Houghton, Mifflin in 1895
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See also
In Spanish: Oliver Wendell Holmes (escritor) para niños
