Edward Emily facts for kids

Edward Emily (1617–1657) was an English doctor who lived a long time ago. He was the very first person to give a special speech called the Harveian Oration at the Royal College of Physicians.

About Edward Emily

Edward Emily was born in 1617. He was the third son of Maximilian Emily and Elizabeth Waleston. His family lived in Helmdon, Northamptonshire, England.

His Education and Medical Career

Edward Emily started his medical studies at the Leiden University in the Netherlands in 1640. He earned his M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) degree there in 1640.

After returning to England, he joined the Royal College of Physicians in London. This was a very important group for doctors. He became a "licentiate" in 1641, which meant he was allowed to practice medicine. Later, he became a "fellow" in 1647, which is a higher membership. He also studied at Christ Church, Oxford during this time.

Important Roles at the College

In 1649, Edward Emily was chosen to be the Gulstonian lecturer. This meant he gave a series of talks about important medical topics, including how the human body works (anatomy) and even tiny particles called atoms.

He also served as a "censor" for the College in 1652 and 1653. A censor was like a supervisor who made sure doctors followed the rules and kept high standards.

The First Harveian Oration

In 1656, Edward Emily was chosen to give the very first Harveian Oration. This was a special speech given in honor of Dr. William Harvey, a famous doctor who discovered how blood circulates in the body.

During his speech, Emily talked about some things that upset some of his colleagues at the College. Because of this, the College decided that from then on, all Harveian Orations would need to be checked and approved by the College leaders before they were given.

Later Life and Legacy

Edward Emily worked as a senior doctor at St. Thomas's Hospital in London. He also had his own medical practice. He was friends with other important doctors of his time, like Thomas Wharton.

Edward Emily passed away on November 14, 1657, when he was 40 years old. Many members of the College of Physicians attended his funeral. Another famous doctor, Baldwin Hamey, spoke very highly of him.

Emily was married to Elizabeth Millington. They had one son named John, who later became a merchant.