Thomas Richard Allinson
Thomas Richard Allinson (1858-1918), physician, dietetic reformer, businessman, journalist and vegetarianism activist. He was a proponent of wholemeal (whole grain) bread consumption.
1858 Born at Hulme, Manchester, the son of Thomas Allinson
Went to school in Lancaster and Manchester and at fifteen began work as a chemist's assistant. With money he saved and financial help from his stepfather, he was able to attend the extramural medical school in Edinburgh
1879 Graduated from medical school.
From the start he took a keen interest in nutrition and, only a few years into his career, adopted Naturopathy. This form of medicine avoids drugs and encourages the consumption of natural foods. His ideas also became known as ‘hygienic’ or ‘Allinsonian’ medicine.
1885 Dr. Allinson set up a general practice in London, advocating healthy eating, including the benefits of whole wheat flour.
1886 He wrote a book entitled A System of Hygienic Medicine.
1888 Married Anna Pulvermacher and had three sons and two daughters
1889 Wrote the book, The Advantage of Wholemeal Bread.
1892 Dr. Allinson bought a flour mill in Bethnal Green, London, establishing the Natural Food Co. Opened his first bakery.
1895 Dr. Allinson was struck off the Medical Register due to his radical thinking.
1911 Residing at 4 Spanish Place, Manchester Square, London: Thomas Richard Allinson (age 53 born Manchester), Physician and Surgeon. With his wife Anna Pulvermacher Allinson (age 54 born Germany) and their two sons Alfred Pulvermacher Allinson (age 21 born London), Art Student, and Bertrand Pulvermacher Allinson (age 19 born London), Medical Student. Also two daughters.[1]
WWI The nutritional value of wholemeal bread was finally accepted by the Government during the First World War, when Allinson was in his 50s. He was offered reinstatement to the General Medical Council, however he turned it down, having found a new outlet for his ideas on nutrition.
1914 Government finally accepts his theories, and demand for wholemeal bread increases.
1918 November 29th. Died at Marylebone. 'Thomas Richard Allinson, whom death took place on Friday at his residence, 4, Spanish-place, enjoyed a wide reputation as a specialist in diet. It was his view that Nature of herself was able to perform the work of cure, provided that sick men and women did not hinder her efforts by meddlesome therapeutics. He was a supporter of the view that wholemeal should he used in the making of bread, and carried on crusades in support of opinions. His efforts met with a large measure of success, and he had the satisfaction of seeing many of his opinions confirmed in practice. The good results which have followed the use of "war bread" are attributed to his demand for wholemeal. He had been in failing health for some time. He died in his 64th year.'[2]