Thomas Dutton (physician)

Thomas Dutton LRCP LRCS (1854 – November 1935) was a British dietitian and physician.

For the medieval English knight, see Thomas Dutton.

Thomas Dutton

LRCP LRCS
Born1854
DiedNovember 1935(1935-11-00) (aged 80–81)
London, England
EducationDurham University (MB and MD)
Occupation(s)Dietitian, writer

Biography

Dutton obtained his MB and MD from Durham University.[1] He was a member of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and a Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Dutton was a consultant at Harley Street and specialized in dietetics.[2] He was honorary surgeon to the Royal Defence Corps and former vice-chairman of the Pure Food Society. He authored many medical works which were positively reviewed.[1][2][3] In 1892, his book Indigestion: Clearly Explained, Treated, And Dieted was described by a reviewer in The British Medical Journal "as a very useful little book, full of sound good sense and wise saws".[4] Dutton was an advocate of heliotherapy as treatment for phthisis, tuberculous and typhoid fever.[5][6]

Dutton practised in Whitechapel at the time of the Whitechapel murders. He had his own theories about Jack the Ripper.[7] In his later years Dutton lived as a recluse.[2] The rooms in which he lived were said to be covered in cobwebs. He died age 78 of heart disease at his home in Uxbridge Road.[2] Dutton is reported to have died in poverty.[7]

Dieting

Dutton was a noted expert on obesity. He authored an early book on the subject, Obesity: Its Cause and Treatment, published in 1896.[8] Dutton suggested that obesity was the result of excess consumption and could be "easily cured by scientific dietetic treatment, combined with judicious exercise, massage, and baths."[8] Dutton recommended a diet of lean meat, white fish and vegetables to treat obesity. Forbidden foods were fat meat, white bread, processed sugar, potatoes, heavy wines, nuts and chocolate.[8]

In the early 20th century, Dutton defended the merits of drinking alcohol to British newspapers.[9][10] In opposition to teetotallers, Dutton recommended moderate consumption of alcohol.[11] Dutton commented that "sound practical experience is entirely on the side of the beneficial effect of alcohol... Wine and beer have stood the test of ages among nearly every nation."[12] In 1909, Dutton stated that beer, cheese and wholemeal bread were the best nutritious foods for the working man.[13] Dutton criticized non-alcoholic drinks for their adulteration such as the addition of acetic acid or sulphuric acid.[14]

Selected publications

References
  1. "Sea-Sickness: Cause, Prevention, and Cure". The Sanitarian. 287: 282. 1891.
  2. Brilliant Doctor's Sad End. West London Observer (November 15, 1935). p. 10
  3. "Indigestion, Clearly Explained, Treated, and Dieted". The Lancet. 1: 876. 1892.
  4. "Reviewed Work: Indigestion Clearly Explained, Treated, And Dieted by Thomas Dutton". The British Medical Journal. 1 (1623): 280. 1892.
  5. Typhoid Fever. West London Observer (May 28, 1915). p. 5
  6. Sun-Bath Cures. Barnsley Independent (February 19, 1916). p. 6
  7. Doctor-Recluse's Death. Nottingham Evening Post (November 12, 1935). p. 3
  8. Zweiniger‐Bargielowska, Ina (2005). "The Culture of the Abdomen: Obesity and Reducing in Britain, circa 1900–1939". Journal of British Studies. 44 (2): 239–273. doi:10.1086/427124. S2CID 145171508.
  9. Merits of Beer. Sheffield Evening Telegraph (November 24, 1909). p. 4
  10. A Doctor on Alcohol. Portsmouth Evening News (December 3, 1913). p. 6
  11. Digestion and Diet Rationally Discussed, by Thomas Dutton, M.D. Royal Cornwall Gazette (August 25, 1892). p. 6
  12. Medical V. Teetotal Opinion. Derbyshire Courier (October 5, 1912). p. 3
  13. Value of Beer. Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper (November 28, 1909). p. 10
  14. Is Beer Worth Drinking?. Manchester Evening News (November 24, 1909). p. 3
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