Thomas Dawson (physician) facts for kids
Thomas Dawson was an English doctor who lived a long time ago, from about 1725 to 1782. He was known for his work in medicine, especially for his ideas on how to treat certain illnesses.
Contents
Thomas Dawson's Life
Early Years and Learning
Thomas Dawson was born around 1725. His father, Eli Dawson, was a "dissenter." This meant he belonged to a Christian group that was separate from the main Church of England at the time. Thomas went to school in Kendal. He also studied at a special school called a dissenting academy run by Caleb Rotheram.
Thomas first worked as a minister at a church in Hackney. But he soon decided to study medicine. In 1749, he went to Glasgow College in Scotland. He earned his medical degree (M.D.) there on June 8, 1753.
Becoming a Doctor
After finishing his studies, Dr. Dawson started working as a doctor in London. He sometimes visited patients in the wards of Guy's Hospital. On February 1, 1759, he was chosen to be a doctor at the Middlesex Hospital. He worked there for two years.
Later, on December 22, 1762, he became a licensed doctor with the College of Physicians of London. Two years after that, on October 3, 1764, he was elected a doctor at the London Hospital. He continued to work there until September 5, 1770. Dr. Dawson also used to see patients at Batson's coffee-house in Cornhill. He passed away on April 29, 1782.
His Medical Discoveries
In 1774, Dr. Dawson published a book called Cases in the Acute Rheumatism and the Gout. In this book, he shared his ideas on how to treat painful conditions like rheumatic fever and gout. He suggested using doses of a plant extract called guaiacum. At that time, guaiacum was already used for long-lasting rheumatism. Other doctors, like Richard Brocklesby, had also done similar experiments.
Dr. Dawson wrote another important work. It was called An Account of a Safe and Efficient Remedy for Sore Eyes and Eyelids. This book was published in London in 1782.
His Family Life
Thomas Dawson got married on May 29, 1758. His wife was Miss Corbet, who had been one of his patients.
