Thomas Stevenson (toxicologist)

Thomas Stevenson (1838 - 1908) was well-known toxicologist and forensic chemist. He served as an analyst to the Home Office and in England he served as an expert witness in many famous poisoning cases. These included the Pimlico Mystery, The Maybrick Case, and the George Chapman case.

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In 1857 Stevenson became a medical pupil to Mr Steel of Bradford. He entered Guy's Hospital Medical School in 1859 and graduated MB, London, in 1863 and MD in 1864. He won several gold medals whilst a student. He became MRCP in 1864 and FRCP in 1871. Stevenson became demonstrator in practical chemistry at Guy's in 1864, and was lecturer in chemistry, 1870-98, and in forensic medicine, 1878-1908, in succession to the renowned Dr Alfred Swaine Taylor (1806-80). He also served as the President of the Institute of Chemistry and of the Society of Public Analysts.

He is notable as the scientific mentor of the Nobel Prize winner Frederick Hopkins.

References

• Dictionary of National Biography, Smith, Elder & Co., 1908-1986, 1901-1911, pp. 414-415
• Brit. Med. J. 1908, 2, pp. 361-362.