Thomas Healde facts for kids
Thomas Healde (sometimes spelled Heald) was an English doctor who lived from 1724 to 1789. He was a very respected physician and a member of the Royal Society, a famous group for scientists.
He was born in a place called Ashbourne in Derbyshire. His father, Robert Healde, was from Norwich. Thomas went to Repton School when he was younger. Later, in 1742, he started studying at Trinity College, Cambridge, which is a well-known university. He earned his first medical degree (M.B.) in 1749 and a higher one (M.D.) in 1754.
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His Medical Career
Thomas Healde began his medical practice in Witham, Essex. He soon became involved with the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), a very important group for doctors in England. In 1759, he became a candidate, and in 1760, he was elected a full member, called a Fellow.
Important Roles and Lectures
Dr. Healde gave several important talks and held key positions. In 1763, he gave the Gulstonian lectures, which were special talks about anatomy. In 1765, he was chosen as the Harveian Orator. This meant he gave a speech in honor of William Harvey, a famous doctor who discovered how blood circulates.
In 1767, Dr. Healde moved to London. He continued his work with the Royal College of Physicians. He was made a "censor" of the RCP in 1769 and again in 1771. A censor's job was to make sure doctors followed the rules and standards.
On June 20, 1770, he became a physician at the London Hospital. The very next day, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a huge honor for scientists and researchers. In 1771, he was also named the Gresham Professor of Physic at Gresham College. He held this teaching position for the rest of his life.
Later Lectures
Dr. Healde continued to give important lectures at the Royal College of Physicians. He was the Croonian lecturer in 1770 and again from 1784 to 1786. From 1786 until he passed away, he also gave the Lumleian lectures. These lectures were about different medical topics.
His Later Life
Thomas Healde passed away in 1789. After his death, his wife became a midwife to support their family. The Royal College of Physicians, recognizing his contributions, voted to give his family £100 to help them.
Books He Wrote
Dr. Healde also wrote some books during his career:
- ‘The Use of Oleum Asphalti,’ published in London in 1769. This book was about the uses of a substance called asphalt oil.
- ‘The New Pharmacopœia of the Royal College of Physicians, translated with Notes,’ published in London in 1788. This was his translation of a book that listed medicines and how to use them, with his own notes added. Another edition came out in 1793.
