Charles Robert Drysdale

Charles Robert Drysdale (1829–1907) was a British physician and public health scientist, and the first President of The Malthusian League. He wrote The Life and Writings of Thomas R. Malthus.[1] He also published books on the topics of syphilis, the evils of prostitution and the dangers of tobacco smoking.

Campaign against tobacco smoking

Drysdale was one of the earliest campaigners against tobacco smoking. In a letter to The Times newspaper in 1878 to say 'I think that the use of tobacco is one of the most evident of all the retrograde influences of our time.'[2] and 'The use of tobacco is one of the most evident of all the retrograde influences of our time. It invades all classes, destroys social life, and is turning, in the words of Mantegazza, the whole of Europe into a cigar divan.' [2]

Family planning

His son, Charles Vickery Drysdale (1874-1961) opened one of the first family planning clinics at East Street, Walworth, London SE17 in 1921. A blue plaque marks the site. [3]

References

  1. ↑ Drysdale, Charles Robert. "The life and writings of Thomas R. Malthus". The life and writings of Thomas R. Malthus (1892). G. Standring (London). Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Drysdale, Charles Robert (1878-09-25). The Times. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. ↑ "Hospitals". Derelict London.