Patrick Manson Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Sir Patrick Manson (1844-1922) was a pioneering Scottish physician who made groundbreaking contributions to the field of tropical medicine. Often referred to as the “father of modern tropical medicine,” Manson’s work laid the foundation for understanding and treating diseases prevalent in tropical regions.

Born in Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, Manson studied medicine at the University of Aberdeen before embarking on a career that would take him to the Far East. During his time in Taiwan and China, he began researching various tropical diseases, including elephantiasis and malaria. Manson’s most significant discovery was the role of mosquitoes in transmitting the parasitic worm that causes elephantiasis, a finding that revolutionized the understanding of disease transmission.

Manson’s expertise in tropical medicine led to his appointment as the medical advisor to the Colonial Office in 1897. He played a crucial role in establishing the London School of Tropical Medicine, now known as the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, in 1899. The school became a world-renowned institution for research and training in tropical diseases. Manson’s legacy continues to inspire medical professionals and researchers in the field of tropical medicine worldwide.

The blue plaque commemorating Sir Patrick Manson can be found at 50 Welbeck Street in the Borough of Westminster, London. Westminster is a historic area of central London, home to many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. The presence of Manson’s plaque in this prestigious borough underscores the significance of his contributions to medical science and global health.