Henry Sampson (physician) facts for kids

Henry Sampson (born around 1629, died 1700) was an important English figure. He was a nonconformist minister and also a doctor. A nonconformist was someone who didn't follow the official Church of England.

Early Life and Education

Henry Sampson was born in South Leverton, Nottinghamshire, around 1629. His father was William Sampson. Later, his mother, Helen, married Obadiah Grew in 1637.

Henry went to school at Atherstone grammar school. His stepfather, Obadiah Grew, was one of his teachers there. He also studied at King Henry VIII School, Coventry.

In 1646, Henry Sampson started studying at Pembroke Hall, Cambridge University. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1650. In the same year, he became a Fellow at the university. He then completed his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1653.

Career as a Minister

Henry Sampson was very interested in languages. He spent a lot of time studying Hebrew and ancient Greek, especially for the New Testament. He also collected many important books about the Bible.

In 1650, his college gave him a job as the rector of Framlingham, Suffolk. A rector is like a main minister for a church. The previous rector had been removed because he refused to support the new government. Even though Henry Sampson was never officially ordained as a priest, he became known as a very good preacher. He preached both in Framlingham and in Coventry.

While in Framlingham, he didn't have many other scholars nearby. So, he also became interested in antiquarian studies. This means he studied old things and history.

Becoming a Doctor

When the king returned to power in England (this was called the English Restoration), the old rector got his job back at Framlingham. Henry Sampson continued to preach privately for a while. He even helped start an independent church group there.

After this, Henry Sampson decided to study medicine. He went to famous universities in Europe. He studied at the University of Padua in Italy and then at the University of Leyden in the Netherlands. He earned his medical degree (M.D.) from Leyden on July 12, 1668.

He then started working as a doctor in London. On September 30, 1680, he was made an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. This was a special recognition for doctors.

Later Life and Legacy

Henry Sampson remained a nonconformist throughout his life. He attended the church services of other nonconformist ministers, like Lazarus Seaman and John Howe.

He passed away on July 23, 1700. He was buried in August at Clayworth, Nottinghamshire. His brother, William Sampson, was the rector there.

Writings and Contributions

Henry Sampson published a book in 1668 called Disputatio … de celebri indicationum fundamento, Contraria contrariis curari. He also wrote articles about human anatomy for a scientific magazine called the Philosophical Transactions in 1674, 1678, 1681, and 1695.

In 1663, he wrote an important description of Framlingham Castle. This writing was later published by Thomas Hearne in his books about John Leland's historical notes. Henry Sampson also helped edit a book called Methodus Divinæ Gratiæ in 1657.

Henry Sampson kept many notes and papers, including lists of ministers who were removed from their churches in 1662. These notes were very helpful to Edmund Calamy. Calamy used Sampson's papers to write his own book about the ministers who were silenced. Sadly, none of Henry Sampson's original handwritten papers are known to exist today. However, the British Museum has a volume of copies made from Sampson's daily notes.