Edward Browne (physician) facts for kids

Edward Browne (born 1644, died 1708) was a famous British doctor. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group for important scientists. Later in his life, he became the president of the College of Physicians, a leading medical organization in England.

Life of Edward Browne

Early Life and Studies

Edward Browne was born in Norwich in 1644. He was the oldest son of a well-known writer and doctor, Sir Thomas Browne. Edward went to Norwich School and then to Trinity College, Cambridge. He earned his medical degree from Cambridge in 1663 and then returned to Norwich.

We know a lot about his early life from a special journal he kept. This journal shows us what life was like in Norwich back then. He often went to dances at the Duke's palace and admired the beautiful jewels there. He even learned to play a card game called ombre from the Duke's brother. Edward was very dedicated to medicine. He often studied plants, read medical books, and even helped his father with patients. He wrote in his journal, "16 Feb. Mrs. Anne Ward gave me my first fee, ten shillings." This was a big moment for him!

Moving to London and Travels

Soon after getting his first payment, Edward Browne moved to London. He attended lectures by Dr. Christopher Terne, a doctor at St. Bartholomew's Hospital. In 1672, Edward married Dr. Terne's daughter, Henrietta. Edward's notes from Dr. Terne's lectures can still be found today.

After finishing his studies in London, Browne returned to Norwich. But he soon began traveling, which he became very famous for. In 1668, he sailed to Rotterdam and visited many cities like Leyden, Amsterdam, and Utrecht. He explored museums, libraries, and churches. He also attended lectures and talked with many smart people. He then traveled to Antwerp and Cologne.

His next big journey was to Vienna, where he became friends with the imperial librarian, Lambecius. He enjoyed many trips and learned conversations. From Vienna, Browne made three long journeys: one to the mines of Hungary, one into Thessaly, and another into Styria and Carinthia. Everywhere he went, he carefully observed nature, history, and anything related to medicine. He even made some drawings, which are now kept in the British Museum. In Buda, he experienced the culture of the Middle East, and in Larissa, he saw the Grand Seigneur (a powerful ruler). He also studied ancient Greek ruins and imagined how the famous doctor Hippocrates practiced medicine there.

Edward Browne returned to England in 1669. He made one more trip in 1673 with some important people like Sir Joseph Williamson and Sir Leoline Jenkins. On this trip, he visited cities in the Low Countries, such as Cologne, Aix-la-Chapelle, Liege, Louvain, Ghent, and Bruges.

His Books and Career

Edward Browne wrote several books about his travels. In 1673, he published A Brief Account of some Travels in Hungaria, Styria, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Thessaly, Austria, Serbia, Carynthia, Carniola, and Friuli. He published another book in 1677, and then a collection of all his travels in one large book in 1685. He also translated a 'History of the Cossacks' in 1672 and wrote parts of Dryden's 'Plutarch' in 1700.

In 1667, Browne was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society, which was a great honor for a scientist. In 1675, he became a fellow of the College of Physicians. He lived in Salisbury Court, Fleet Street, and became a doctor to King Charles II. He was also a doctor at St. Bartholomew's Hospital from 1682. He served as treasurer of the College of Physicians from 1694 to 1704, and then as its president from 1704 until he died in 1708.

His Success as a Doctor

Edward Browne was a very successful doctor and had many important friends. His success came from his great skills and interesting conversations. His notebooks show that he worked very hard in his profession. Because of good introductions, he quickly became known to many other doctors, surgeons, and pharmacists.

By 1673, he had already worked with thirteen other doctors and ten surgeons on different cases. Many of his letters and notes can still be found today. Among them is the earliest known copy of the 'Pharmacopœia' of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, which is a book of medical recipes. Some of these recipes were even discussed between Edward and his father.

Edward Browne passed away in Northfleet, Kent, on August 28, 1708. He was buried there and left behind a son, Thomas Browne, and a daughter.

Images for kids

• 

  Brief account of some travels in Hungaria, Servia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Thessaly, Austria, Styria, Carinthia, and Friuli (1696)