P. A. Buxton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
P. A. Buxton
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| Born |
Patrick Alfred Buxton
24 March 1892 London, England
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| Died | 13 December 1955 (aged 63) Gerrards Cross, England
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Entomology |
Patrick Alfred Buxton (24 March 1892 – 13 December 1955) was a British scientist who studied insects. He was known as a medical entomologist, which means he focused on insects that affect human health.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Patrick Buxton was born in London, England, on 24 March 1892. His father, Alfred Fowell Buxton, was a banker.
Patrick went to Rugby School and then to Trinity College, Cambridge. He studied Natural Sciences and graduated with high honors in 1915. He continued his studies at St George's Hospital in London and became a doctor in 1917.
A Career Studying Insects
Because the First World War was happening, Patrick Buxton joined the Royal Army Medical Corps. He served in places like Mesopotamia (which is now part of Iraq) and Persia (now Iran). During his time there, he collected many insects. This is where he became very interested in them.
In 1921, Buxton became an entomologist in Mandatory Palestine. An entomologist is a scientist who studies insects. From 1923 to 1926, he went on an expedition to Samoa to collect more insects.
When he returned to London, he became the head of the Department of Entomology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. His main work was to understand how insects cause problems and how to control them.
Controlling Pests During Wartime
During the Second World War, Patrick Buxton helped with the practical control of pests. These included lice, mosquitoes, and flies, which could spread diseases among soldiers and civilians.
After the war, from 1945 to 1946, he worked in East Africa. There, he helped with the problem of Tsetse flies. These flies can spread a serious disease called sleeping sickness.
Awards and Family Life
Patrick Buxton received several important awards for his work. He was given the Linnean Medal in 1953. He was also chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1943. This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK. In 1947, he became a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Patrick Buxton married Muryell Gladys Rice in March 1917. They had six children: two sons and four daughters.
- Martin Patrick (1920–1966) was a Captain in the Royal Signals. He also worked as a diplomat.
- Andrew Patrick (1923–1952) was a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross during World War II. He became a mammalogist (someone who studies mammals) and worked in Uganda.
- Helen Muryell (1925–2014)
- Marian Elizabeth (1927–1984)
- Rachel Katharine (1930–)
- Lucy Bertha (1932–)
Patrick Buxton passed away on 13 December 1955, at his home in Gerrards Cross, England. His wife, Muryell, lived for more than 30 years after him. She died in 1989.
