John Betts (physician) facts for kids

John Betts (born around 1623, died 1695) was an English doctor. He was a very skilled physician. However, his strong religious beliefs affected his career later on. He also faced challenges because he refused to support the new king after a big change in government called the Glorious Revolution.

A Young Scholar

John Betts was born in Winchester, England. His father was Edward Betts. John went to Winchester College for school. In 1643, he became a student at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. He earned his first university degree in 1647.

Becoming a Doctor

In 1648, John Betts had to leave Oxford University. This happened during a time when Parliament was checking on the university. After leaving, he decided to study medicine. He earned his medical degrees from Oxford in 1654.

Later that year, he joined the College of Physicians of London. This was a very important group for doctors. He became a full member, called a fellow, in 1664.

Challenges and Beliefs

John Betts was a Roman Catholic. He became a successful doctor in London, often treating other Catholic families. He even became a doctor for King Charles II.

However, his religious beliefs caused problems for him. During a time of political tension (from 1679 to 1684), he was temporarily excluded from the College of Physicians. This was because of his religion. Despite this, he helped build a chapel in London in 1686.

Loyalty and Later Years

John Betts held important roles at the College of Physicians several times. In 1685, he was chosen as an "elect," a high position.

After the Glorious Revolution in 1688, there was a new king, William of Orange. In 1689, Betts was identified as a "papist" (a term for a Catholic). In 1692, he was told he might lose his high position if he didn't promise loyalty to the new king. He chose not to take the oath. However, because he was getting old, he was allowed to keep his place.

John Betts passed away by May 15, 1695. He was buried at St Pancras.

His Writings

John Betts wrote several medical books:

• De ortu et natura Sanguinis (About the Origin and Nature of Blood), published in London in 1669. Another doctor, George Thomson, wrote a book criticizing this work.
• This book also included a special part called Anatomia Thomæ Parri. This was a report about the examination of a very old man named Old Tom Parr after he died. Some people believed this report was actually written by the famous doctor William Harvey.

• Medicinæ cum Philosophia naturali consensus (Agreement of Medicine with Natural Philosophy), published in London in 1692.

His Family

John Betts had a son named Edward Betts. Edward also became a doctor. He died shortly before his father, on April 27, 1695.