John Clarke (physician, 1582–1653) facts for kids
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John Clarke (born around 1582, died 1653) was an important English doctor. He was a very respected physician, which is a type of doctor. He held high positions at the Royal College of Physicians, a famous group of doctors in England.
The Life of John Clarke
John Clarke was born in 1582. His family lived at a place called Brooke Hall, near a town called Wethersfield in Essex, England. His family had lived in that area for a long time.
He went to Christ's College, Cambridge, a well-known university. He earned his first degree in 1603. Later, he continued his studies and became a Master of Arts (MA) in 1608. He then earned his highest medical degree, Doctor of Medicine (MD), in 1615.
His Role at the College of Physicians
In 1622, John Clarke became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. This is a special group for leading doctors. Being a fellow means you are recognized as an expert in medicine.
He held several important jobs at the College. He was the treasurer from 1643 to 1644, managing the College's money. Then, he became the president from 1645 to 1649. This was a very important leadership role.
While he was president, he helped update the Pharmacopœia. This was a book that listed medicines and how to prepare them. It was a very important guide for doctors and pharmacists at the time.
His Later Years
John Clarke passed away on April 30, 1653. His funeral was a big event. The president and other fellows from the College of Physicians walked with his body from his home to his burial place. He was buried in the Church of St. Martin-without-Ludgate.
He had a son and a daughter. His daughter married another famous doctor named Sir John Micklethwaite. John Clarke's granddaughter, Ann, later gave a portrait of him to the College of Physicians. This painting still hangs in their reading room today.
