James Lind
James Lind | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 October 1716 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 13 July 1794 (aged 77) Gosport, Hampshire, England |
| Education | Royal High School, Edinburgh University of Edinburgh (MD 1748) Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (LRCPE) |
| Known for | Prevention of maritime diseases and cure for scurvy |
| Relatives | James Lind (physician, born 1736) |
| Medical career | |
| Profession | Military surgeon |
| Institutions | Surgeon, Royal Navy (1739–1748) Physician, Edinburgh (1748–1758) Senior Physician, Haslar Naval Hospital (1758–1783) |
| Sub-specialties | Naval hygiene |
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, 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.