Robert Bentley Todd

Todd, Robert Bentley, M.D., F.R.S., younger brother of preceding, was born in Dublin in 1809. He was educated at Trinity College, went to London in 1831, rose rapidly into practice and prominence, and was appointed Professor of Physiology in King's College in 1837. He took a leading part in founding King's College Hospital, to which he was physician from its opening in 1839 until within a few weeks of his death. He originated the plan of St. John's Training Institution for Nurses in 1847. The Annual Register says: "From the first he had shown the strongest taste for anatomical and physiological pursuits, which he followed with uncommon ardour, and became a lecturer on these subjects in the schools. They were the foundation of his subsequent success, giving to his thoughts and views that sound practical tone so much in harmony with the force of his own character, and which impressed itself so strongly on the medical doctrines of the day." In conjunction with Dr. Grant, he projected the Cyclopaedia of Anatomy and Physiology, published between 1836 and 1859. With Dr. Bowman, he brought out an important work on Physiological Anatomy. He also published Clinical Lectures on Paralysis (London, 1854), Clinical Lectures on the Urinary Organs (London, 1856), and numerous other works. Dr. Todd died at his residence in London, 30th January 1860, aged about 51, and was buried at Kensal Green Cemetery.

Sources

7. Annual Register. London, 1756-1877.

16. Authors, Dictionary of British and American: S. Austin Allibone. 3 vols. Philadelphia, 1859-'71.