Samuel Foart Simmons facts for kids
Samuel Foart Simmons (born March 17, 1750 – died April 23, 1813) was an important British doctor. He was known for his work with people experiencing mental health issues.
Samuel was born in Sandwich, a town in Kent, England. He went to school in France. He began studying medicine in Edinburgh, Scotland. After three years, he moved to Holland. He became a qualified doctor in Leyden in 1776. He then visited many universities in Germany.
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Samuel Simmons' Medical Career
Samuel Simmons returned to England. In 1778, he became a Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons. This meant he was officially allowed to practice medicine.
Working with Patients
In 1780, he became a doctor at the Westminster Dispensary. This was a place where people could get medical care. In 1781, he started working at St Luke's Hospital for Lunatics. From then on, he mainly helped people with mental health conditions. He became very well-respected for his work.
Important Societies and Lectures
Samuel Simmons was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1779. This is a group of top scientists. In 1784, he gave a special lecture called the Croonian Lecture. He spoke about how muscles react. In 1791, he also became a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. This society studies history and old objects. In 1780, he was chosen as President of the London Medical Society.
Medical Publications
For many years, Samuel Simmons was the main editor of two medical journals. These were the "London Medical Journal" and "Medical Facts and Observations." He also put together the "Medical Register." This was like an early directory of doctors.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1804, Samuel Simmons was appointed as a special doctor to King George III. The King was experiencing mental health challenges at the time.
Samuel left his job at St Luke’s Hospital in 1811. However, he continued to work there as a consulting doctor. He passed away at his home in Poland Street, London. He was buried in the churchyard of St Clement’s in Sandwich. His son, Richard Simmons, also became a doctor. Richard was also a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal Society.
Samuel Simmons' Written Works
- Elements of Anatomy and the Animal Economy. (1775) This book was translated from French. It was about the body's structure and how it works.
- Observations on the Cure of the Gonorrhoea. (1780) This book discussed treatments for a specific illness.
- An Account of the Tenia, and the Method of treating it, as practised at Morat, in Switzerland. (1778) This book described a type of parasite and how it was treated.
- Practical Observations on the Treatment of Consumption. (1780) This book offered practical advice on treating a serious lung disease.
- An Account of the Life and Writings of Dr. William Hunter. (1783) This was a biography about another famous doctor.
