Sir William James Erasmus Wilson, a pioneering figure in the field of dermatology, left an indelible mark on both the medical world and philanthropic community.
Born on November 25, 1809, in Marylebone, London, Wilson was the son of William Wilson, a surgeon in the Navy who later became a parish surgeon. Raised in Kent, Wilson’s early exposure to medicine came through his father’s practice, which ultimately influenced his pursuit of a career in surgery and anatomy.
Wilson’s career took off when he became a student at St Bartholomew’s Hospital and developed a talent for dissections, which gained him attention in medical circles. He soon worked with renowned figures like Sir William Lawrence and Thomas Wakley, and by 1840, he turned his focus to dermatology, a field he would help revolutionise. His work in skin diseases would make him one of the foremost experts of his time, contributing immensely to the understanding and treatment.
A committed philanthropist
Wilson was a committed philanthropist, and his generous contributions helped to shape the development of several institutions, with Epsom College benefiting from his charity. Wilson’s donations included funding the construction of a house in 1871, to accommodate the Headmaster and his family, or a teacher and their family and 40 pupils, which was built at his own expense, and thus Wilson House was created.
The Headmaster, The Rev William De Lancy West also made the decision that pupils from non-medical backgrounds could join the College. They would board in Wilson and the payment of slightly higher fees would ensure they would be educated “under the Headmaster’s especial eye”. In time, the building would become a full boarding House, converting to a girls’ boarding House in 1998. Erasmus Wilson’s legacy was secured with the Wilson family motto (Expecta Cuncta Superna: Expect all things from Above) and the family crest (a seated wolf) bestowed upon the House on its opening.
Wilson had much financial success – thanks to investments in gas and railway companies – which enabled him to leave a legacy of generosity to many institutions, including the Royal Sea Bathing Hospital in Margate, as mentioned in the Forest House history. It was a large purpose built building, situated on the sea front to capitalise on sunshine, fresh air and bathing in the sea. Wilson became a director of the hospital and his generous donations paid for the development of a new wing and chapel. Such was the impact of his contributions, a statue of Wilson was erected outside the hospital. Although the hospital is long since closed, and the building now private accommodation, the statue remains in place maintaining his legacy in the area.
His impact on dermatology remains profound
Wilson became President of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1881, he also founded the Erasmus Wilson Professorship of Pathology at the University of Aberdeen in the same year, further cementing his place in medical history. His personal wealth was used to fund scholarships, support medical education, and contribute to the advancement of research, particularly in dermatology. His impact on the field of dermatology remains profound, having introduced and popularised many treatments, including the idea of regular bathing to maintain health.
Wilson’s legacy also goes beyond medicine reflecting his interest in travel, history and culture. Indeed, he covered the cost of transferring Cleopatra’s Needle to London, an effort that cost him £10,000. The obelisk was part of a pair, gifted to the UK by the ruler of Egypt and Sudan, Mehemet Ali, as a diplomatic gift in 1819. The British Government welcomed the gesture, but was not prepared to cover the associated transport costs. The obelisk remained in Alexandria until 1877 when Wilson suggested he pay. After a tumultuous journey to London, the obelisk was erected in 1878. A time capsule concealed in the pedestal, much like the two Epsom College time capsules, preserve the important items of the day, including a set of imperial weights, some children’s toys, a complete set of British coins, a portrait of Queen Victoria, copies of ten daily newspapers and a map of London. The effort he gave in every sphere of his life did not go unnoticed and Queen Victoria honoured him with a knighthood in 1881.
His contributions continue to live on
Erasmus Wilson’s death in 1884 marked the end of a remarkable career, but his contributions continue to live on, particularly at Epsom College. Today, Wilson is remembered not only for his groundbreaking work in dermatology but also for his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. His obituary, published shortly after his death in the British Medical Journal, described “From his earliest life he was characterised particularly by his kindliness and gentleness of manner” it continues: “His generosity to poor patients who came to consult him was very great, not only prescribing for them gratis, but supplying the means for carrying out the treatment”, “ the amount of good he did privately will probably never be known so unostentatious was he in regard to his charity.”
