Thomas Bates (surgeon) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Thomas Bates
Portrait of Thomas Bates.
Born	Thomas Bates England
Died	England
Nationality	English
Occupation	Surgeon
Known for	Naval surgeon

Thomas Bates was an important doctor who worked for the Royal Navy. He was active between 1704 and 1719. He was also a member of the Royal Society, a famous group of scientists.

Bates's Career

Thomas Bates was a naval surgeon, which means he was a doctor who worked on ships. He spent five years helping sailors in the Mediterranean Sea. After that, he worked as a doctor in London. He even became a surgeon for the Royal Family.

Fighting the Cattle Plague

Bates became well-known for his work during a serious animal sickness. This sickness was called the cattle plague, and it happened in 1714. It was a big problem because it had affected many cattle across Europe. The disease had not been seen in England for hundreds of years.

The cattle plague reached areas like Islington in London. Thomas Bates suggested smart ways to stop the sickness from spreading. The government, known as the Privy Council, followed his advice.

Thanks to Bates's quick actions, the disease was stopped in just three months. About six thousand cattle had to be sacrificed to prevent the plague from spreading further. This showed how effective Bates's ideas were.

Royal Society Membership

In December 1718, Thomas Bates was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a special honor for scientists and important thinkers. He officially joined the society on January 8, 1719.