The Use of Stimulants in Pneumonia

Winston Churchill (1874-1965), Dr Robson Roose, MD Brux, FRCPE (1848-1905) and Dr Joseph Rutter, MD Lond, MRCP (1834-1913): Treatment for pneumonia in March 1886

This paper will review Winston Churchill's severe respiratory illness in March 1886 when he developed pneumonia of the right lung as an 11-year-old boy. Winston was treated supportively with 'nourishment, stimulants [probably alcohol] and close watching' at his school by the 'celebrated' family physician, Dr Robson Roose, with the assistance of Dr Joseph Rutter. Roose was exemplary in his commitment to his young patient and assiduous in informing Lord Randolph Churchill of his son's clinical progress by letter.