Henry Acland

Henry W Dyke Acland

Henry Acland (1815–1900) was a prominent English physician and educator. He played a significant role in the development of medical education and public health in the 19th century.

Early Life and Education

Henry Acland was born on August 23, 1815, in Killerton, Devon, England. He was the fourth son of Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, 10th Baronet, a notable landowner and politician. Acland was educated at Harrow School and later attended Christ Church, Oxford, where he studied medicine.

Medical Career

After completing his studies at Oxford, Acland continued his medical training at St George's Hospital, London. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1844. Acland returned to Oxford in 1845 as a Radcliffe Librarian and later became the Lee's Reader in Anatomy at Christ Church, Oxford.

Contributions to Medical Education

Acland was instrumental in reforming medical education at Oxford. He advocated for the integration of scientific research and practical training in the medical curriculum. His efforts led to the establishment of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, which opened in 1860. Acland served as the museum's first curator and played a key role in its development.

Public Health Initiatives

Acland was deeply involved in public health issues. He was appointed as a member of the General Board of Health in 1854 and worked on various public health projects, including the improvement of sanitation and the control of infectious diseases. Acland's work in public health was recognized with his appointment as the Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford in 1858.

Later Life and Legacy

Henry Acland continued to contribute to medical education and public health until his retirement in 1894. He was knighted in 1883 for his services to medicine and education. Acland passed away on October 16, 1900, in Oxford, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to the fields of medicine and public health.

Family

Henry Acland married Sarah Cotton, the daughter of William Cotton, in 1846. They had several children, including Sir Henry Dyke Acland, 2nd Baronet, who followed in his father's footsteps in the field of medicine.

See Also

• Oxford University Museum of Natural History
• Christ Church, Oxford
• Royal College of Physicians
• General Board of Health