Stewart Duke-Elder facts for kids
Sir William Stewart Duke-Elder (born April 22, 1898 – died March 27, 1978) was a very important eye doctor from Scotland. He was a leading expert in his field for over 25 years. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in eye and vision care.
Early Life and Education
Stewart Duke-Elder was born in a village called Tealing, near Dundee, Scotland. His father, Neil Stewart Elder, was a church minister.
He went to school at Morgan Academy in Dundee. He was the top student there in 1914 and 1915.
In 1915, Stewart Duke-Elder started studying at the University of St Andrews. He earned degrees in science and natural sciences by 1919. He then studied medicine and became a doctor in 1923. In 1925, he earned another advanced degree for his research on how the eye reacts to changes in blood pressure.
In 1927, he earned yet another science degree from St Andrews. This time, his research was about the fluids inside the eye and how eye pressure stays balanced.
Amazing Contributions to Eye Care
Sir Stewart Duke-Elder is best known for his incredible writing and editing skills. He wrote seven large books called Textbook of Ophthalmology. He also wrote fifteen volumes of System of Ophthalmology. These books, along with many other papers, taught most eye doctors around the world.
Because of his huge contribution to medical books, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1960. This is a very high honor for scientists.
Besides his own writing, Duke-Elder was the editor of the British Journal of Ophthalmology. This is an important medical journal about eye care. He also helped create the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, which is now part of the University College London. This institute is a major center for eye research.
He received many honors for his work. He was made a knight in 1933, which means he was called "Sir." He also served as the eye doctor for three British monarchs: King Edward VIII, George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II. In 1946, he helped create the Faculty of Ophthalmologists, a group for eye specialists.
In 1957, Duke-Elder was given the Lister Medal. This award recognized his important work in surgical science. He gave a special speech in 1958 about how vision developed in animals.
His Legacy
Sir Stewart Duke-Elder was married to Phyllis, who was also his medical assistant. They had a long and happy marriage. They did not have any children.
He passed away at his home in London on March 27, 1978. His work continues to help eye doctors and patients around the world.
