Hugh Chamberlen facts for kids

Hugh Chamberlen the elder (born around 1632 – died after 1720) was an important English doctor. He was a physician to the king, a specialist in childbirth (called an obstetrician), and also wrote about money and finance.

Life and Work

Hugh Chamberlen was the oldest son of Peter Chamberlen the third. His mother, Jane, was the daughter of Sir Hugh Myddelton. He was born in London between 1630 and 1634. He earned the title of Doctor of Medicine and was listed as a member of the Royal Society.

In 1668, Chamberlen had an idea to help London get rid of the bubonic plague. He became well-known for his medical skills, especially as a "man-midwife," which meant he helped women during childbirth. In 1673, he became a physician to the king, taking over from Sir John Hinton. He was also chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society in April 1681.

In March 1688, the Royal College of Physicians questioned some of Chamberlen's medical practices. However, he continued to be very busy at court. King James II chose him to attend to his wife, Mary of Modena, when she gave birth. Chamberlen arrived too late for the birth of Prince James Francis Edward Stuart on June 10, 1688. Years later, in 1713, he wrote a letter about this event to the Electress Sophia of Hanover.

Chamberlen supported the Whigs, a political group in England. Some believed he faced difficulties because of his political views. He received a special pardon in June 1686.

Later, Chamberlen moved to Amsterdam, where he continued his medical work for several years. He shared a special family secret: the design of the midwifery forceps. This important tool helps doctors deliver babies safely. He shared this secret with a Dutch surgeon named Hendrik van Roonhuisen. Hugh Chamberlen was still alive in November 1720.

Medical Writings

In August 1670, while in Paris, Chamberlen met a surgeon named François Mauriceau. Two years later, Chamberlen translated Mauriceau's book about midwifery into English. This book became a very important textbook and was reprinted many times until 1765. In the introduction of this book, Chamberlen wrote about how his family invented and used the obstetric forceps.

In 1685, Chamberlen published his own medical book called Manuale Medicum. This book was written for one of his sons who was going to the East Indies. Some other doctors thought he relied too much on practical experience rather than strict medical theory.

Chamberlen's last medical book was A few Queries relating to the Practice of Physick (1694). This book also discussed ideas for keeping people healthy. He included a "Proposal for the better securing, of health" that he wanted Parliament to consider. He also wrote a book about the benefits of England and Scotland joining together, called The Great Advantages of both Kingdoms of Scotland and England, by an Union.

The "Land Bank" Idea

In November 1690, Chamberlen introduced his financial plan called Dr. Hugh Chamberlen's Proposal to make England Rich and Happy. His idea was to create a bank that would lend money using land as security. The bank would issue many paper notes as currency. Many people wrote pamphlets in response to his idea. Chamberlen spent three evenings a week promoting his plan and talked to many Members of Parliament.

In December 1693, Chamberlen presented his plan to the House of Commons. A special committee reviewed it and gave a positive report, but Parliament did not act on it. Two years later, the idea was brought up again in a slightly different way. A bill based on his plan passed both houses of Parliament and became law on April 27, 1696. However, Parliament was closed down right after, and the plan never fully started. Chamberlen was made fun of for his idea. In March 1699, he moved to Scotland. In 1700, he tried to convince the Parliament of Scotland to adopt a new version of his land bank scheme.

Family Life

Hugh Chamberlen married Dorothy Brett on May 28, 1663. They had three sons: Hugh the younger, Peter, and Myddelton. They also had one daughter named Dorothy.

Memorial

There is a memorial dedicated to Hugh Chamberlen at Westminster Abbey in London.