Thomas Percival facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Percival
FRS FRSE FSA
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 29 September 1740 Warrington, Lancashire, England
|
| Died | 30 August 1804 (aged 63) Manchester, Lancashire, England
|
| Alma mater |
|
| Occupation |
|
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Basnett |
Thomas Percival (29 September 1740 – 30 August 1804) was an important English doctor and writer. He is famous for creating the first set of rules for doctors, known as "medical ethics." These rules guide how doctors should behave and treat their patients.
Percival also worked to improve public health and factory conditions in the city of Manchester. He was a founding member of the Portico Library in Manchester.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Percival was born in Warrington, Lancashire, England, on September 29, 1740. Sadly, he lost both his parents when he was only three years old. His older sister helped with his early education.
As he grew older, he attended a private school in his hometown. He also spent some time at the Boteler Grammar School in Warrington. In 1756, he was one of the first students to enroll at Warrington Academy. There, he became known for his strong skills in classical studies and theology.
Medical Career and Achievements
In 1761, Thomas Percival began studying medicine at Edinburgh University. He continued his advanced studies at Leyden University in Holland. He earned his doctorate in medicine (MD) in 1765.
That same year, he became a member of the Royal Society, a famous group for scientists. He started working as a doctor in Warrington in 1765. Later, in 1767, he moved to Manchester to continue his medical practice.
Percival was also a key member of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society. He helped start this society and served as its president for many years, from 1782 to 1804.
He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1786. In 1787, he became a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Pioneering Medical Ethics
Thomas Percival is very important in the history of medicine because of his work on medical ethics. He first shared his ideas about these rules in a private booklet in 1794. Later, in 1803, he published a much larger book called Medical Ethics; or, a Code of Institutes and Precepts, Adapted to the Professional Conduct of Physicians and Surgeons. In this book, he actually created the term "medical ethics."
Percival wrote these rules after seeing disagreements among doctors, surgeons, and pharmacists. He wanted to make sure all medical professionals worked together well. His rules also covered how doctors should treat patients, whether they were rich or poor.
His ideas quickly spread to other countries like the USA, Australia, and Canada. In fact, the American Medical Association (AMA) used many parts of his book when they created their own code of ethics in 1847.
Percival believed that doctors should always act with honor and responsibility. He thought they should always serve others and care for the sick.
Improving Public Health and Factories
Percival also played a big role in improving safety and health in workplaces. He led a group of doctors who looked at textile mills. Their report helped Robert Peel create the Health and Morals of Apprentices Act 1802.
This law was very important for child workers. It said that children could only work 12 hours a day. It also required factories to keep their walls clean. Visitors were allowed into factories to suggest ways to make them healthier.
Thomas Percival died in Manchester on August 30, 1804. He was buried in Warrington Church.
Family Life
Thomas Percival was married to Elizabeth Basnett.
