Richard Maurice Bucke

Richard Maurice Bucke (1837–1902) was a Canadian psychiatrist, author, and adventurer born in Methwold, England, who emigrated to Ontario as a child. He studied medicine at McGill University, served as superintendent of the Asylum for the Insane in London, Ontario from 1877 until his death, and was known for progressive reforms in mental health treatment and his friendship with Walt Whitman. Bucke authored 'Cosmic Consciousness' (1901), exploring mysticism and higher states of awareness.