Henry Atkins (physician) facts for kids

Henry Atkins (born 1558, died 1635) was an important English doctor. He lived a long time ago, during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. He was known for his work as a physician and for leading the College of Physicians in London.

Early Life and Education

Henry Atkins was born in 1558. His father was Richard Atkins from Great Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire. Henry started studying at Trinity College, Oxford, in 1574. He earned his first degree there. Later, he completed his medical degree (M.D.) in Nantes, France.

A Leading Doctor

In 1588, Atkins became a member of the College of Physicians of London. This was a very important group for doctors. He was chosen to be the president of the College in 1606. He was re-elected many times, serving in 1607, 1608, 1616, 1617, 1624, and 1625.

Working for Royalty

In 1597, Atkins was supposed to travel as a doctor with Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. They were going on a sea trip called the Islands Voyage. However, Atkins got very seasick and had to leave the journey early.

A few years later, in 1604, King James I sent Atkins to Scotland. His mission was to bring the King's son, Prince Charles, back to England. Prince Charles had been living at Dunfermline Palace in Scotland. His mother, Anne of Denmark, had already moved to England.

Atkins wrote a letter from Dunfermline in July 1604. He shared good news about Prince Charles. The Prince had been slow to learn to walk. But Atkins reported that he could now walk across a long room many times without a stick.

Travels with Prince Charles

In August 1604, Atkins and Prince Charles traveled from Scotland to England. They stopped at Worksop Manor along the way. Atkins wrote about their four-day visit. He mentioned lots of music and how the young Prince Charles learned about hunting. Deer were even brought close to the house for him to see.

Royal Patients and Medical Advice

In 1612, Atkins was asked to help with the illness of Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales. Prince Henry was the King's eldest son. Atkins believed the Prince had a serious fever. He suggested a treatment called bleeding. His signature is on the official report about Prince Henry's death. It is next to the signature of another famous doctor, Theodore Mayerne.

Atkins also cared for other important people. He was present when the Earl of Salisbury died in May 1612. In October 1618, he attended Anne of Denmark at Hampton Court with Dr. Mayerne.

Changes in Medicine

Henry Atkins played a key role in a big change for medical professions. In 1617, the Grocers' Company was divided. This allowed a new group, the Apothecaries' Company, to be formed. Apothecaries were like early pharmacists. Atkins supported this split, even though some people, like Sir William Paddy, disagreed.

In 1618, while Atkins was president, the College of Physicians published the first London Pharmacopeia. This was a very important book. It listed all the approved medicines and how to prepare them.

Personal Life and Legacy

Henry Atkins married Mary Pigot. She was from Dodershall, Buckinghamshire. He lived in Warwick Court in London. He had a very busy medical practice and became quite wealthy.

Atkins passed away on September 21, 1635. He had one child, who later became Sir Henry Atkins. He was buried in Cheshunt church, where a monument was placed to remember him. He also gave money and support to the College of Physicians.

In 1621, Atkins bought Tickford Priory in Newport Pagnell for £4,500. He bought it from Alice Fortescue.