Bright, John

John (1811-1899), an English statesman. In 1843 he entered Parliament for Durham. John Bright came into prominence as an advocate of the people for the repeal of import duties on foodstuffs. The Anti-Corn-Law League was established largely through his efforts. During the American Civil War John Bright was an outspoken supporter of the Union cause. He favored the extension of the right to vote to working-men. He aided in relieving the Catholics of Ireland from paying the expenses of the Protestant church.

Bright's Disease, a breaking down of the tissue of the kidney. It may be due to a severe cold, to scarlet fever, and other infectious diseases, to poisoning by alcohol, to prolonged nervous strain, or to other causes. A mere inflammation, or the acute form, is cured usually by rest; but a disintegration of the tissues, known as the chronic form, cannot be cured. The progress of the disease may, however, be arrested. Instances have been known in which patients lived for years until carried off by another disease; but, generally speaking, once Bright's disease has secured a firm hold on the kidneys, the patient is likely to be carried off at any time. Richard Bright, whose name is associated with the disease, was an eminent English physician, 1789-1858. He was the first to investigate and make known its character. See Disease