Thomas Masterman Winterbottom facts for kids
Dr. Thomas Masterman Winterbottom (born March 26, 1766, in South Shields; died July 8, 1859) was an English doctor, a person who helped others (a philanthropist), and someone who worked to end slavery (an abolitionist). He is famous for describing a disease called African trypanosomiasis, also known as Sleeping Sickness, and a special sign related to it, called Winterbottom's sign.
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A Doctor's Life
Thomas Winterbottom was the oldest son of Dr. James Winterbottom, who was also a doctor. Young Thomas learned a lot from a local church leader. He later studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow.
Working in Africa
In 1792, Dr. Winterbottom was chosen to be the main doctor for the Sierra Leone Company in Africa. He spent four years there, helping people and learning about diseases. During this time, he welcomed a young man named John Macaulay Wilson into his home. John Wilson later became one of the first African medical staff trained in Europe to work in Africa.
Discovering Sleeping Sickness
When Dr. Winterbottom returned home in 1796, he took over his father's medical practice. In 1803, he wrote a book about his time in Africa. In this book, he described a serious illness called African trypanosomiasis, which is now known as Sleeping Sickness.
He noticed that people with this disease often had swelling in their necks. Slave traders at the time knew about this sign. They would avoid buying enslaved people who showed this neck swelling because it meant they were sick. This swelling became known as Winterbottom's sign, named after him.
Helping His Community
Back in England, Dr. Winterbottom also helped start the Literary and Philosophical Society in Newcastle in 1793. This was a group where people could share ideas and learn new things.
He married in 1803 and lived in Westoe. He worked as a general doctor for 30 years and wrote several medical books. He remained interested in medicine until he passed away at 93, making him the oldest doctor in Britain at that time.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Winterbottom's wife passed away in 1840, and they did not have children. So, he decided to leave his large amount of money to many charities he had supported during his life.
Founding a College
Most of his money went to start the South Shields Marine College. He had already helped set up this college in 1837. His friends, including important people like Robert Ingham MP, made sure the college officially opened on March 26, 1866. This was exactly 100 years after Dr. Winterbottom was born! The college later became part of South Tyneside College.
Dr. Thomas Masterman Winterbottom is remembered for his important medical discoveries and for his kindness in helping others and supporting education.
