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James Young Simpson Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Sir James Young Simpson: Pioneer in Anesthesia and Medicine

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Sir James Young Simpson: Pioneer in Anesthesia and Medicine Study Guide

Early Life, Education, and Career Beginnings

Sir James Young Simpson was born in London, England, in 1811.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sir James Young Simpson was born in Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland, in 1811, not London.

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Simpson pursued his higher education at the University of Glasgow before moving to Edinburgh for medical studies.

Answer: False

Explanation: Simpson pursued his higher education at the University of Edinburgh, where he also completed his medical studies, rather than beginning at Glasgow.

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After graduating, Simpson worked as an assistant to Professor John Thomson due to the exceptional quality of his thesis on inflammation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following his graduation, Simpson's thesis on inflammation was of such high quality that it led to his appointment as an assistant to Professor John Thomson.

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James Simpson became a professor at the University of Edinburgh at the young age of 21.

Answer: False

Explanation: James Simpson was appointed Professor of Medicine and Midwifery at the University of Edinburgh at the age of 28, not 21.

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Simpson held the position of Professor of Surgery at the University of Edinburgh.

Answer: False

Explanation: Simpson's professorial role at the University of Edinburgh was as Professor of Medicine and Midwifery, not Surgery.

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In which Scottish town was Sir James Young Simpson born?

Answer: Bathgate

Explanation: Sir James Young Simpson was born in the Scottish town of Bathgate, West Lothian.

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Where did Sir James Young Simpson pursue his higher education?

Answer: University of Edinburgh

Explanation: Sir James Young Simpson pursued his higher education, including his medical studies, at the University of Edinburgh.

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At what age did James Simpson become a professor at the University of Edinburgh?

Answer: 28

Explanation: James Simpson attained the position of Professor at the University of Edinburgh at the age of 28.

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Pioneering Anesthesia with Chloroform

Sir James Young Simpson is primarily recognized for his pioneering work with ether as a general anesthetic.

Answer: False

Explanation: While ether was an early anesthetic, Sir James Young Simpson's principal recognition stems from his pioneering work with and popularization of chloroform.

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Dr. Robert Mortimer Glover described chloroform's anesthetic properties in animals but was hesitant to test it on humans.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dr. Robert Mortimer Glover was the first to document chloroform's anesthetic effects in animals, yet he expressed reservations about its application in human subjects.

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Simpson and his colleagues first experimented with chloroform in a laboratory setting.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial experiments with chloroform by Simpson and his colleagues were conducted in Simpson's dining room, not in a formal laboratory setting.

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A popular myth claims the first baby delivered under chloroform was officially named 'Anaesthesia'.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Simpson affectionately nicknamed the first baby delivered under chloroform 'Anaesthesia,' the child's official baptismal name was Wilhelmina.

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Simpson's advocacy for chloroform significantly influenced its acceptance in obstetrics and military medicine, even reaching Queen Victoria.

Answer: True

Explanation: Simpson's vigorous advocacy and provision of chloroform to influential figures like Queen Victoria were instrumental in its widespread acceptance within obstetrics and military medicine.

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Queen Victoria's use of anesthesia during childbirth was influenced by Simpson's advocacy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Queen Victoria's decision to utilize anesthesia during childbirth, influenced by Simpson's advocacy, significantly bolstered the acceptance and popularity of anesthetic practices.

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David Waldie, a pharmacist, recommended chloroform to Simpson, leading to his experiments.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pharmacist David Waldie provided Simpson with chloroform, which prompted Simpson to investigate its anesthetic potential further.

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The introduction of chloroform by Simpson is considered to have influenced medical practices for roughly fifty years.

Answer: False

Explanation: Simpson's introduction and popularization of chloroform had a transformative impact on medical practices, influencing them for approximately a century, not just fifty years.

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Simpson's experiment with chloroform involved inhaling it alone in his study.

Answer: False

Explanation: Simpson's initial experiment with chloroform involved inhaling it alongside his colleagues, Dr. George Skene Keith and James Matthews Duncan, in his dining room.

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What is Sir James Young Simpson primarily known for in the history of medicine?

Answer: Demonstrating and popularizing the use of chloroform as an anesthetic.

Explanation: Sir James Young Simpson is principally recognized for his pivotal role in demonstrating and popularizing the use of chloroform as an effective anesthetic agent, particularly in obstetrics.

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Who first described the anesthetic properties of chloroform in animals but hesitated to use it in humans?

Answer: Dr. Robert Mortimer Glover

Explanation: Dr. Robert Mortimer Glover was the first to describe chloroform's anesthetic properties in animals, though he expressed hesitation regarding its human application.

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Where did Simpson and his colleagues conduct their initial experiments with chloroform in 1847?

Answer: In Simpson's dining room

Explanation: The initial experiments with chloroform by Simpson and his colleagues took place in Simpson's dining room.

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What is the factual account of the first baby delivered under chloroform, according to the source?

Answer: Simpson nicknamed the baby 'Anaesthesia', but its official baptismal name was Wilhelmina.

Explanation: The first baby delivered under chloroform was officially baptized Wilhelmina; Simpson affectionately gave the child the nickname 'Anaesthesia'.

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Simpson's work with chloroform significantly impacted medical practice for approximately how long?

Answer: 100 years

Explanation: The introduction and popularization of chloroform by Simpson profoundly altered medical practices, influencing them for approximately a century.

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How did Queen Victoria's use of anesthesia impact its acceptance in medicine?

Answer: It significantly boosted the popularity and acceptance of anesthetic practices.

Explanation: Queen Victoria's utilization of anesthesia during childbirth, influenced by Simpson's advocacy, substantially enhanced the acceptance and popularity of anesthetic practices in the medical field.

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Which of the following figures were involved in the pioneering use of diethyl ether as an anesthetic, as mentioned in the 'See also' section?

Answer: Charles Thomas Jackson, Crawford Williamson Long, and William Thomas Green Morton

Explanation: The 'See also' section mentions Charles Thomas Jackson, Crawford Williamson Long, and William Thomas Green Morton in connection with the pioneering use of diethyl ether as an anesthetic.

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Contributions to Obstetrics and Surgical Instruments

Simpson significantly improved the design of obstetric forceps, and these are still known as 'Simpson's Forceps'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sir James Young Simpson made notable improvements to the design of obstetric forceps, which continue to be recognized and referred to as 'Simpson's Forceps' in the field.

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Simpson designed the 'Air Tractor' in 1838, an early vacuum extractor that gained immediate popularity.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Simpson designed the 'Air Tractor,' an early vacuum extractor, in 1838, it did not achieve immediate popularity and its methodology was not widely adopted until much later.

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The 'Air Tractor' designed by Simpson was an early form of a surgical drill.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Air Tractor' designed by Simpson was an early vacuum extractor intended to assist childbirth, not a surgical drill.

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The term 'Simpson's Forceps' refers to a type of surgical clamp developed by Simpson.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Simpson's Forceps' specifically refers to an improved design of obstetric forceps developed by Sir James Young Simpson, not a general surgical clamp.

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Which of the following was a significant contribution Simpson made to obstetric instruments?

Answer: Improvement of obstetric forceps, known as 'Simpson's Forceps'.

Explanation: Simpson significantly improved the design of obstetric forceps, leading to instruments that are still recognized by the name 'Simpson's Forceps'.

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What was the 'Air Tractor' designed by Simpson?

Answer: An early vacuum extractor to assist childbirth.

Explanation: The 'Air Tractor,' designed by Simpson in 1838, was an early iteration of a vacuum extractor intended to aid in childbirth.

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What does the term 'Simpson's Forceps' specifically refer to?

Answer: A type of obstetric forceps with an improved design by Simpson.

Explanation: 'Simpson's Forceps' refers to the obstetric forceps whose design was notably improved by Sir James Young Simpson.

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Broader Intellectual Pursuits

Simpson's interests were limited solely to obstetrics and anesthesia.

Answer: False

Explanation: Beyond his primary contributions to obstetrics and anesthesia, Simpson possessed broad intellectual interests, including archaeology and the study of hermaphroditism.

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Simpson's antiquarian research focused exclusively on ancient medical texts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Simpson's antiquarian research encompassed a wider scope than just ancient medical texts, including significant work in archaeology and the study of prehistoric rock art.

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Simpson's book on archaic sculpturings was titled *Ancient Symbols of Scotland* and focused only on Scottish examples.

Answer: False

Explanation: Simpson's book on archaic sculpturings was titled *Archaic Sculpturings of Cups, Circles, &c. Upon Stones and Rocks in Scotland, England, & Other Countries* and included examples from various regions, not solely Scotland.

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Simpson's passion for antiquarian research may have influenced his great-grand-niece, Margaret E. B. Simpson, to become Scotland's first professional archaeologist.

Answer: True

Explanation: It is suggested that Sir James Young Simpson's profound interest in antiquarian research may have inspired his great-grand-niece, Margaret E. B. Simpson, who later became Scotland's first professional archaeologist.

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Simpson's book on archaic sculpturings is considered an important early contribution to the study of prehistoric rock art.

Answer: True

Explanation: Simpson's publication on archaic sculpturings is recognized as a significant early work that advanced the study of prehistoric rock art.

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Besides obstetrics and anesthesia, what other field did Simpson pursue with significant intellectual interest?

Answer: Archaeology

Explanation: In addition to his medical work in obstetrics and anesthesia, Sir James Young Simpson cultivated a significant intellectual interest in archaeology.

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What was the subject of Simpson's book titled *Archaic Sculpturings of Cups, Circles, &c. Upon Stones and Rocks in Scotland, England, & Other Countries*?

Answer: Prehistoric rock art and carvings.

Explanation: Simpson's book detailed archaic sculpturings, such as cups and circles found on stones and rocks, contributing significantly to the study of prehistoric rock art.

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What was the nature of Simpson's published work concerning leprosy and syphilis?

Answer: He focused on their symptoms, historical accounts, and patient care institutions.

Explanation: Simpson's publications on leprosy and syphilis primarily addressed their symptoms, historical context, and the institutions established for patient care, rather than developing cures or focusing on genetic transmission.

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Personal Life, Family, and Social Connections

Simpson's primary residence during his career was a large estate in the Scottish Highlands.

Answer: False

Explanation: Simpson maintained residences such as Strathavon Lodge and a townhouse in Edinburgh; he did not primarily reside on a large estate in the Scottish Highlands.

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The Simpson and Grindlay families were rivals in Edinburgh's medical community.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Simpson and Grindlay families were not rivals but were closely interconnected, functioning as an extended family unit through marriage and shared lineage.

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Walter Grindlay, Simpson's father-in-law, provided significant financial support to Simpson's career.

Answer: True

Explanation: Walter Grindlay, who was both Simpson's father-in-law and cousin, offered substantial financial assistance to Simpson throughout his medical career.

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Sir James Young Simpson had a son named Sir Walter Grindlay Simpson, who became the 2nd Baronet.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sir James Young Simpson was indeed the father of Sir Walter Grindlay Simpson, who succeeded him as the 2nd Baronet.

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Dr. Alexander Russell Simpson, Sir James Young Simpson's nephew, took over his uncle's professorship at the University of Edinburgh.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dr. Alexander Russell Simpson, Sir James Young Simpson's nephew, continued the family's academic legacy by succeeding his uncle as Professor of Midwifery at the University of Edinburgh.

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Sir James Young Simpson was a close friend of the scientist Sir David Brewster.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sir James Young Simpson maintained a close friendship with the eminent scientist Sir David Brewster, even being present at his deathbed.

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Who was Walter Grindlay in relation to James Young Simpson?

Answer: His father-in-law and cousin.

Explanation: Walter Grindlay was both Sir James Young Simpson's father-in-law and cousin, playing a role in his life and career.

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What role did Dr. Alexander Russell Simpson play in the family's medical legacy?

Answer: He inherited his uncle's townhouse and succeeded him as Professor of Midwifery.

Explanation: Dr. Alexander Russell Simpson, Sir James Young Simpson's nephew, inherited his uncle's townhouse and subsequently succeeded him as the Professor of Midwifery at the University of Edinburgh.

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Recognition, Honors, and Lasting Legacy

Simpson was created a Baronet on February 3, 1866, with the designation 'of Strathavon in the County of Linlithgow'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sir James Young Simpson was formally created a Baronet on February 3, 1866, with the specific designation 'of Strathavon in the County of Linlithgow, and of the City of Edinburgh'.

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Sir James Young Simpson was buried in Westminster Abbey following his death.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite an offer to be interred in Westminster Abbey, Sir James Young Simpson was ultimately buried in Warriston Cemetery in Edinburgh.

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Following Simpson's death, a Scottish holiday was declared on the day of his funeral.

Answer: True

Explanation: The profound impact of Simpson's life was recognized with a declared Scottish holiday on the day of his funeral, accompanied by a large public procession.

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The Edinburgh Royal Maternity and Simpson Memorial Hospital was named after him in 1879.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1879, the Edinburgh Royal Maternity Hospital was renamed the Edinburgh Royal Maternity and Simpson Memorial Hospital in honor of Sir James Young Simpson's significant contributions.

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The motto on Simpson's coat of arms, 'Victo Dolore,' translates to 'victory over death'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The motto 'Victo Dolore' on Simpson's coat of arms translates to 'pain conquered' or 'victory over pain,' reflecting his achievements in alleviating suffering.

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Sir James Young Simpson is featured as a character in the historical novel series *The Knick*.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sir James Young Simpson is not featured in *The Knick*; he is a protagonist in the contemporary historical novel series *Raven, Fisher, and Simpson*.

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The Sir James Young Simpson statue is located in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh.

Answer: True

Explanation: A statue commemorating Sir James Young Simpson is indeed situated in West Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh.

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The signage inside St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh commemorates Simpson's work in archaeology.

Answer: True

Explanation: Signage within St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh serves to honor and commemorate the significant medical and academic contributions of Sir James Young Simpson.

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The Simpson Memorial Maternity Hospital was built to honor Simpson's contributions to obstetrics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Simpson Memorial Maternity Hospital was established in 1879 as a tribute to Sir James Young Simpson's profound impact on the field of obstetrics.

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Simpson's funeral procession route was lined by approximately 1,000 citizens.

Answer: False

Explanation: Simpson's funeral procession was a major public event, with the route lined by over 100,000 citizens, far exceeding the number of 1,000.

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Simpson's motto 'Victo Dolore' signifies his belief in the inevitability of suffering.

Answer: False

Explanation: The motto 'Victo Dolore' translates to 'pain conquered' or 'victory over pain,' reflecting his contributions to alleviating suffering, rather than accepting its inevitability.

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Simpson House, a charity, is located in Simpson's former Edinburgh townhouse.

Answer: True

Explanation: Simpson House, a charitable organization, is situated in Sir James Young Simpson's former townhouse located at 52 Queen Street in Edinburgh.

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When was Sir James Young Simpson created a Baronet?

Answer: 1866

Explanation: Sir James Young Simpson was created a Baronet on February 3, 1866.

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Where was Sir James Young Simpson ultimately buried?

Answer: Warriston Cemetery, Edinburgh

Explanation: Sir James Young Simpson was buried in Warriston Cemetery in Edinburgh, Scotland.

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What public honor was given to Simpson following his death?

Answer: A national holiday in Scotland and a memorial bust in Westminster Abbey.

Explanation: Following his death, Simpson received significant public recognition, including a declared Scottish holiday on his funeral day and a memorial bust placed in Westminster Abbey.

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Which Edinburgh medical institution was named in honor of Sir James Young Simpson in 1879?

Answer: The Edinburgh Royal Maternity and Simpson Memorial Hospital

Explanation: In 1879, the Edinburgh Royal Maternity Hospital was renamed the Edinburgh Royal Maternity and Simpson Memorial Hospital in honor of Sir James Young Simpson.

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What is the translation of the motto 'Victo Dolore' on Simpson's coat of arms?

Answer: Pain Conquered

Explanation: The motto 'Victo Dolore' inscribed on Simpson's coat of arms translates to 'Pain Conquered' or 'Victory over Pain'.

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In which contemporary popular culture context is Sir James Young Simpson featured?

Answer: The historical novel series *Raven, Fisher, and Simpson*.

Explanation: Sir James Young Simpson is a featured character in the contemporary historical novel series *Raven, Fisher, and Simpson*.

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What does the image of the 'Bust of Sir James Y. Simpson' depict?

Answer: A bust housed at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

Explanation: The image depicts a bust of Sir James Young Simpson, which is preserved at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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What significant event occurred on the day of Simpson's funeral?

Answer: A Scottish holiday was declared and a large procession took place.

Explanation: On the day of Sir James Young Simpson's funeral, a Scottish holiday was declared, and a substantial procession marked the occasion, reflecting his societal impact.

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Views on Religion and Society

Simpson refused to sign the Westminster Confession of Faith because he disagreed with its stance on medical ethics.

Answer: False

Explanation: Simpson's refusal to sign the Westminster Confession of Faith stemmed from his disagreement with its literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis, not from issues related to medical ethics.

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Simpson's disagreement with the literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis led him to refuse signing the Westminster Confession of Faith.

Answer: True

Explanation: Simpson's objection to the literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis was the stated reason for his refusal to sign the Westminster Confession of Faith.

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Why did Simpson refuse to sign the Westminster Confession of Faith?

Answer: He objected to its literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis.

Explanation: Simpson's refusal to sign the Westminster Confession of Faith was due to his disagreement with its literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis.

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