Thomas Wharton (anatomist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Wharton
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Thomas Wharton ca 1650.
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| Born | 31 August 1614 |
| Died | 15 November 1673 (aged 59) |
| Alma mater | Pembroke College, Cambridge |
| Known for | Submandibular duct, Wharton's jelly, Thyroid gland |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Anatomy |
Thomas Wharton (1614–1673) was an important English physician and anatomist. He is famous for discovering the submandibular duct, which is a tube that carries saliva in your mouth. He also described something called Wharton's jelly, found in the umbilical cord.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Wharton was born in Winston-on-Tees, County Durham, England, on August 31, 1614. He was the only son of John Wharton and Elizabeth Hodson.
Becoming a Doctor
Thomas started his studies at Pembroke College, Cambridge, in 1638. Later, he moved to Trinity College, Oxford. He spent three years studying in Bolton before deciding to become a doctor. He then moved to London to learn medicine from John Bathurst.
In 1647, he earned his M.D. degree from Oxford. He became a member of the Royal College of Physicians in 1650. This was a big step for doctors in England.
Working as a Physician
In 1659, Thomas Wharton became a physician at St Thomas's Hospital in London. He worked there until he passed away.
Helping During the Plague
One of the most remarkable things Thomas Wharton did was stay in London during the terrible plague of 1665. Many people, including other doctors, left the city to avoid the sickness. But Wharton bravely stayed to help the sick.
Because of his courage, he was promised a special job as a physician to the king. However, when a spot opened up, he was given a special honor for his family's coat of arms instead. He even had to pay for this honor!
Family Life
Thomas Wharton lived on Aldersgate Street in London. He passed away on November 15, 1673. He was buried in the church of St Michael Bassishaw.
He was married to Jane Ashbridge. They had three sons. Two of his sons, Charles and William, died young. His son Thomas also became a physician.
Discoveries and Contributions
Thomas Wharton was very interested in how the human body works, especially glands. Glands are organs that make and release substances, like saliva or hormones.
The Submandibular Duct
Wharton studied glands very closely. He was the first to accurately describe the duct (a small tube) of the submandibular gland. This gland makes saliva, and the duct carries the saliva into your mouth. This important tube is now named after him, often called "Wharton's duct."
Other Research
He also studied the tiny details of the pancreas, another important gland. His work helped other scientists understand the body better.
Working with Others
Thomas Wharton was friends with other important thinkers of his time.
- He worked with Elias Ashmole on a catalog for the Musaeum Tradescantianum. This was a famous collection of interesting objects.
- The writer Izaak Walton, who wrote Compleat Angler, mentioned Wharton as a friend and thanked him for his help.
Published Works
Thomas Wharton wrote a very important book called Adenographia; sive glandularum totius corporis descriptio. This long title means "Description of all the Glands of the Entire Body." It was published in London in 1656.
This book was a major work because it described glands more accurately than ever before. It included detailed drawings and was used by other scientists for many years.
