The life and work of Sir Almroth Wright honoured in Centenary lecture
19 September 2007
On Wednesday 19 September 2007, at the Cockburn Lecture Theatre at St Mary's campus, Professor Michael Dunnill gave a talk entitled, "The Life and Work of Almroth Wright".
Sir Almroth Wright was an influential figure in British medicine and society. Working in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he created at St Mary's one of the first institutions in the UK to take research into the clinical domain. He was instrumental in the foundation of the Medical Research Council.
His development of the first effective typhoic vaccination was a lifesaver especially for servicemen in the First World War. He was not free of controversy, especially in his views of the role of women in professional life. Wright was the basis of the character of Dr Colenso Ridgeon in George Bernard Shaw's Doctor's Dilemma.
In his professional life, Almroth Wright encouraged a group of talented young people in the scientific basis of infectious disease and vaccination. He inspired many younger colleagues, including Leonard Colebrook, John Freeman and Alexander Fleming.
Professor Michael S Dunnill (right) is an Emeritus Fellow of Merton College and author of 'The Plato of Praed Street: The Life and Times of Almroth Wright'. The lecture was introduced bby Professor Desmond Johnston, Campus Dean at St Mary's Campus.
The talk was well received and followed by a drinks reception.
