Leslie Mackenzie

Sir William Leslie Mackenzie MD FRSE (30 May 1862 – 28 February 1935) was a Scottish doctor renowned in the field of public health, best known for his efforts to systematise rural healthcare and his contributions to the study of child and maternal health.

Early life William Leslie Mackenzie was born into a small farming community called Shadwick Mains, in Rossshire, Scotland, to James Mackenzie and his wife, Margaret McKenzie. He attended his local one-room school until the age of fourteen, serving as a pupil-teacher for his last three years there. He then attended grammar school in Aberdeen. Mackenzie remained there until age sixteen and then taught for a time at a private girls’ school. He graduated from Aberdeen University with an MA in classics and philosophy (with first class honors), winning various scholarships along the way including the Ferguson and Fullerton awards in mental philosophy. Upon receiving his degree, Mackenzie continued his studies at Edinburgh University for one term. During his studies, he was influenced greatly by Alexander Bain and was a one-time associate of Edwin Chadwick, another major public health figure. He married Helen Carruthers Spence on 12 February 1892. They had no children. Helen pursued an active political career including supporting women's emancipation and the right to vote, The report demonstrated conclusively that the poor health condition of inner city children was related to poverty and Mackenzie presented it to the royal commission after they had surveyed 600 schoolchildren and recommended that teachers be trained in health issues. This report led to the introduction of a school meals service and medical inspection after much debate in Parliament,

Mackenzie was knighted by King George V in 1919 and was appointed by the Crown to the General Medical Council. He served as honorary secretary of the Section of State Medicine and as vice president of the Section of State Medicine and Medical Jurisprudence in 1914. His contributions to the scientific literature helped establish the sub field of medical geography.

Sir Leslie William Mackenzie died on 28 February 1935 in Edinburgh, after enduring a long illness and was cremated on 2 March. He was survived by his wife, who continued her social work.