Bucknill, John Charles (1817–1897)

English physician. From 1844–62 he was first medical superintendent of Devon County Asylum and there began his life's work. He advocated humane ‘no-restraint’ methods of treatment. In 1853 he founded the pioneering Journal of Mental Science, which he edited until 1862; he was also a co-founder of the journal Brain. He was elected fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1859 and delivered its Lumleian Lectures in 1878.

Bucknill was born in Leicestershire, England. He was educated at Rugby School and at University College, London. He qualified as a doctor in 1840. Bucknill was born in Leicestershire, England. He was educated at Rugby School and at University College, London. He qualified as a doctor in 1840. He was knighted in 1894. Among Bucknill's many publications are Unsoundness of Mind in Relation to Criminal Acts (1857), The Medical Knowledge of Shakespeare (1860), and Care of the Insane and their Legal Control (1880).