Thomas Dutton | |
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Born | 1854 |
Died | November 1935 London, England | (aged 80–81)
Education | Durham University (MB and MD) |
Occupation(s) | Dietitian, writer |
Thomas Dutton LRCP LRCS (1854 – November 1935) was a British dietitian and physician.
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]
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]