Robert James (physician) facts for kids
Robert James (born 1703, died 1776) was an English doctor. He is famous for writing a big book called A Medicinal Dictionary. He also invented a popular medicine called "fever powder." He was a good friend of Samuel Johnson, a very well-known writer.
Robert James's Life
Robert James was born in 1703 in a place called Kinvaston, England. His father, Edward James, was a major in the English army. His mother, Frances, was the sister of Sir Robert Clarke.
He went to Lichfield Grammar School. There, he met Samuel Johnson, who became his good friend. Later, Robert James went to St John's College, Oxford. He earned a degree there in 1726.
He became a doctor in 1728. He worked in different cities like Sheffield, Lichfield, and Birmingham. Later, he moved to London. Robert James passed away on March 23, 1776, when he was 73 years old.
His Famous Medical Dictionary
One of Robert James's most important works was his Medicinal Dictionary. It was a huge book with three volumes, published between 1743 and 1745. His friend Samuel Johnson helped him with it. Samuel Johnson even wrote some parts of the dictionary.
This dictionary was very popular. It was quickly translated into French. Many famous French thinkers, like Denis Diderot, helped with the translation. The book stayed popular for a long time after it was first published.
The Fever Powder
Robert James also invented a special medicine called "fever powder." He got a patent for it in 1747. This meant he had the official right to make and sell it. It became one of the most successful medicines of its time.
However, some people thought it was not right for a doctor to patent a medicine. They felt it was too focused on making money. Also, it is said that he did not fully share all the ingredients of his powder. He might have done this to stop others from copying his recipe. The powder was made from a mix of antimony and phosphate of lime.
Some people in his time saw his fever powder as a type of quackery. This means they thought it was a medicine that might not be fully scientific or honest.
His Other Writings
Besides his famous dictionary, Robert James wrote many other books. He also translated several important medical books from other languages into English. These books covered different health topics.
Some of his original books included:
- A Treatise on the Gout and Rheumatism (1745)
- A Dissertation on Fevers and Inflammatory Distempers (1748)
- A Treatise on Canine Madness (1760)
He also wrote a book about his fever powder. It was called A Vindication of the Fever Powder, with a Short Treatise on the Disorders of Children. This book was published after he died, in 1778.
