Nathaniel Dimsdale
Nathaniel Dimsdale | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | July 3, 1811 (aged 63) |
| Occupation(s) | Medical doctor, financier, parliamentarian |
| Known for | Smallpox vaccination efforts in Russia |
Nathaniel Dimsdale, FRS (11 April 1748 – 3 July 1811), was a British medical doctor, financier, and parliamentarian who was awarded a Russian Empire Barony in recognition of his contributions to smallpox vaccination efforts in Russia.
Born as the second son to Thomas Dimsdale—a Quaker physician, banker, and parliamentarian—Nathaniel received his education at Eton College. In 1768, he accompanied his father to St. Petersburg to perform smallpox inoculations on Catherine the Great and Grand Duke Paul. As a reward for this service, both father and son were granted a pension and the noble title of Baron Dimsdale by the Russian Empire. After returning to England, Nathaniel completed his medical degree (MB) at the University of Edinburgh in 1771.
He traveled once more to Russia in 1781 alongside his father to administer additional vaccinations to members of the royal family. Subsequently, he became a partner in the family banking firm, Baron Dimsdale, Sons, Barnard and Staples. Following his father's retirement in 1790, Nathaniel took over as Member of Parliament for Hertford, a position he held until 1802.
Dimsdale was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1805. His health deteriorated in later years, and he passed away during a recuperative visit to Brighton in 1811. Unmarried at the time of his death, he bequeathed his estate to his sister Ann. While his personal barony ceased with him, the hereditary family title was maintained by his elder brother John.