Richard Maurice Bucke was a Canadian psychiatrist and writer, born on March 18, 1837. He is best known for his work in the field of psychology and for his influential book, Cosmic Consciousness, published in 1901. In this book, Bucke explored the concept of higher states of consciousness and their significance in human evolution. Bucke served as the medical superintendent of the Asylum for the Insane in London, Ontario, where he implemented progressive treatment methods. He was also a close associate of the poet Walt Whitman, whose work greatly influenced Bucke's ideas about spirituality and consciousness. Bucke passed away on February 19, 1902.