Sydney Ringer facts for kids

A portrait of Sydney Ringer.

Sydney Ringer was a very important British doctor, scientist, and expert in medicines. He is most famous for creating something called Ringer's solution. This special liquid is still used today in hospitals and labs all over the world! Sydney Ringer was born in 1835 in Norwich, England. He passed away in 1910 after a stroke.

Sydney Ringer's Early Life and Education

Sydney Ringer grew up in Norwich, England. His father died when Sydney was quite young, in 1843. He went to a Baptist school in Norwich for his early education. Before starting medical school, Ringer worked for a year at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital. He helped a surgeon there named B. H. Norgate.

Becoming a Doctor and Professor

Because of his family's beliefs, Ringer studied Medicine at University College London starting in 1854. He finished his studies and became a doctor in 1860. He trained at University College Hospital and then began his career there. By 1866, he became a full physician, which is a senior doctor. From 1865 to 1869, he also worked at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.

During his career, Ringer became a respected member of important medical groups:

• He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1870.
• He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1885.

At University College Hospital, he held several important teaching positions:

• He was a Professor of Materia Medica (the study of medicines) from 1862 to 1878.
• He taught the Principles & Practice of Medicine from 1878 to 1887.
• He was the Holme Professor of Clinical Medicine from 1887 until 1900.

Ringer's Big Discovery: Ringer's Solution

Sydney Ringer's most famous work was done in the Department of Physiology at University College. He discovered what simple salts were needed to keep living cells healthy outside the body. He found that a special mix of sodium, potassium, and calcium salts was essential.

He showed that calcium was very important for heart muscle to keep beating. He did this by studying the hearts of frogs. This discovery was the first to show how important calcium is for many processes inside our bodies.

His work led to the creation of Ringer's solution. This solution is a special liquid that helps keep cells alive and working. Many different versions of Ringer's solution have been made since then. They are changed to fit different animals or experiments. Some important versions used in hospitals include Ringer's lactate, also known as Hartmann's solution. These solutions are used to help patients who need extra fluids or salts.

Recognition and Legacy

In 2007, a short book about Sydney Ringer was published. It was called "A Solution for the Heart: a brief biography of Professor Sydney Ringer MD FRS (1835-1910)" by D. J. Miller. Ringer was an early member of The Physiological Society, which published the book.

To honor his important work, a special Blue Plaque was placed at University College London in March 2022. This plaque helps people remember his amazing contributions to medicine and science.