| Thomas Dutton | |
| Honorific Suffix: | LRCS |
| Birth Date: | 1854 |
| Death Place: | London, England |
| Education: | Durham University (MB and MD) |
| Occupation: | Dietitian, writer |
Thomas Dutton LRCS (1854 – November 1935) was a British dietitian and physician.
Dutton obtained his MB and MD from Durham University.[1] He was a member of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and a Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Dutton was a consultant at Harley Street and specialized in dietetics.[2] He was honorary surgeon to the Royal Defence Corps and former vice-chairman of the Pure Food Society. He authored many medical works which were positively reviewed.[1] [2] [3] In 1892, his book Indigestion: Clearly Explained, Treated, And Dieted was described by a reviewer in The British Medical Journal "as a very useful little book, full of sound good sense and wise saws".[4] Dutton was an advocate of heliotherapy as treatment for phthisis, tuberculous and typhoid fever.[5] [6]
Dutton practised in Whitechapel at the time of the Whitechapel murders. He had his own theories about Jack the Ripper.[7] In his later years Dutton lived as a recluse.[2] The rooms in which he lived were said to be covered in cobwebs. He died age 78 of heart disease at his home in Uxbridge Road.[2] Dutton is reported to have died in poverty.[7]
Dutton was a noted expert on obesity. He authored an early book on the subject, Obesity: Its Cause and Treatment, published in 1896.[8] Dutton suggested that obesity was the result of excess consumption and could be "easily cured by scientific dietetic treatment, combined with judicious exercise, massage, and baths."[8] Dutton recommended a diet of lean meat, white fish and vegetables to treat obesity. Forbidden foods were fat meat, white bread, processed sugar, potatoes, heavy wines, nuts and chocolate.[8]
In the early 20th century, Dutton defended the merits of drinking alcohol to British newspapers.[9] [10] In opposition to teetotallers, Dutton recommended moderate consumption of alcohol.[11] Dutton commented that "sound practical experience is entirely on the side of the beneficial effect of alcohol... Wine and beer have stood the test of ages among nearly every nation."[12] In 1909, Dutton stated that beer, cheese and wholemeal bread were the best nutritious foods for the working man.[13] Dutton criticized non-alcoholic drinks for their adulteration such as the addition of acetic acid or sulphuric acid.[14]