James Lind

James Lind
Born(1716-10-04)4 October 1716
Edinburgh, Scotland
Died13 July 1794(1794-07-13) (aged 77)
EducationRoyal High School, Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh (MD 1748)
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (LRCPE)
Known forPrevention of maritime diseases and cure for scurvy
RelativesJames Lind (physician, born 1736)
Medical career
ProfessionMilitary surgeon
InstitutionsSurgeon, Royal Navy (1739–1748)
Physician, Edinburgh (1748–1758)
Senior Physician, Haslar Naval Hospital (1758–1783)
Sub-specialtiesNaval hygiene

[1]James Lind FRSE FRCPE (4 October 1716 – 13 July 1794) was a Scottish physician. He was a pioneer of naval hygiene in the Royal Navy. By conducting one of the first ever clinical trials,[2][3] he developed the theory that citrus fruits cured scurvy.

Lind argued for the health benefits of better ventilation aboard naval ships, the improved cleanliness of sailors' bodies, clothing and bedding, and below-deck fumigation with sulphur and arsenic. He also proposed that fresh water could be obtained by distilling sea water. His work advanced the practice of preventive medicine and improved nutrition.

  1. ^ "Beer on Board in the Age of Sail – Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound". Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  2. ^ Simon, Harvey B. (2002). The Harvard Medical School guide to men's health. New York: Free Press. p. 31. ISBN 0-684-87181-5.
  3. ^ Baron, Jeremy Hugh (2009). "Sailors' scurvy before and after James Lind - a reassessment". Nutrition Reviews. 67 (6): 315–332. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00205.x. PMID 19519673.

Developed by StudentB