Richard Bright
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Richard Bright (September 28 1789-December 16 1858) was an English physician, who was one of the early pioneers in the research of kidney diseases. Bright was born in Bristol, Gloucestershire, the third son of Richard Bright Sr., a wealthy merchant and banker, and Sarah Bright. Bright Sr. shared his interest in science with his son, which would influence Bright Jr.'s future career decision.
In 1808, Bright began his higher learning at the University of Edinburgh, where he started with philosophy, economics, and mathematics. The following year, Bright switched to medicine. In 1810, Bright accompanied Sir George Mackenzie on an summer expedition to Iceland where he conducted naturalist studies. In the fall, Bright continued his medical studies at Guy's Hospital in London. After two years at the hospital, he returned to Edinburgh where he was granted his medical doctorate in September 1813 after completing his disseration De erysipelate contagioso (about contagious erysipela.
In the 1820s and 1830s, Bright worked at Guy's Hospital in London, where he taught and practiced medicine. He was one of the three great contemporaries at Guy's, the two other being Thomas Addison and Thomas Hodgkin. He also did research into the causes and symptoms of kidney disease. His work lead to the naming of one form of kidney disease called Bright's disease. For this, he is considered the "father of nephrology".
On December 11, 1858, Bright became severely ill due to complications of heart disease but was unable to recover, and died in London at the age of 69.
Reference
- Richard Bright biography (http://www.whonamedit.com/doctor.cfm/1984.html). WhoNamedIt.