William Macmichael facts for kids
William Macmichael was an English doctor and writer who lived from 1783 to 1839. He is best known for his book The Gold-Headed Cane, which tells the stories of famous doctors.
Early Life and Education
William Macmichael was born on November 30, 1783, in a town called Bridgnorth in Shropshire, England. He went to Bridgnorth Grammar School when he was younger. In 1800, he earned a scholarship and went to Christ Church, Oxford, a college at Oxford University.
Travels and Medical Career
After finishing his studies, William Macmichael received a special scholarship called a Radcliffe traveling fellowship. This allowed him to travel for several years. From 1811 to 1817, he visited many countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Palestine, Romania, Russia, and Turkey.
When he returned, Macmichael earned his MD degree from Oxford University. He became a member of important groups like the Royal Society and the Royal College of Physicians. These groups recognize top scientists and doctors.
Macmichael held several important jobs:
- He worked as a doctor at the Middlesex Hospital.
- He was a registrar at the Royal College of Physicians, which meant he kept important records.
- He also advised the President of the Royal College of Physicians.
Working for the King
William Macmichael became a very respected doctor. In 1829, he was chosen to be a special doctor to King George IV. The next year, in 1830, he became the King's librarian, looking after his books. In 1831, he became the main doctor to King William IV.
From 1833 to 1835, Macmichael also worked as an Inspector General of Lunatic Asylums. This role involved checking on places where people with mental health issues lived.
His Books
William Macmichael was not only a doctor but also a writer. He wrote several books:
- A Journey from Moscow to Constantinople in the Years 1817, 1818 was published in 1819. This book was about his travels.
- In 1822, he published A New View of the Infection of Scarlet Fever. This book shared his ideas about how diseases like scarlet fever spread.
- His most famous book, The Gold-Headed Cane, came out in 1827. It told the life stories of famous doctors who had owned a special cane. Some of these doctors included John Radcliffe and Richard Mead.
- In 1830, he wrote The Lives of British Physicians, which included biographies of other important doctors like William Harvey.
William Macmichael retired due to poor health and passed away in 1839 at the age of 55.
