John Groenveldt facts for kids

John Groenveldt (sometimes known as John Greenfield) was a Dutch physician who lived from about 1647 to 1710. He was known for his work on certain medical conditions and for his unique approach to treatments in the late 1600s and early 1700s.

Early Life and Medical Training

John Groenveldt was born around 1647 in Deventer, a town in Holland (which is now part of the Netherlands). He began his medical studies in Holland. Later, he continued his education in other European cities. He studied in Louvain (now in Belgium) with a famous teacher named Franciscus Zypæus. He also spent time studying medicine in Paris, France.

On September 13, 1667, Groenveldt became a medical student at Leyden University. He earned his medical degree (M.D.) from Utrecht University on March 18, 1670. For his graduation, he wrote a special paper called a "thesis." His thesis was titled De Calculo Vesicæ, which means "On Bladder Stones." This paper was so important that it was translated into English and published in London in 1677. It was even re-published with more information in 1710.

Around 1673, John Groenveldt became the chief doctor for the soldiers stationed at Grave. About ten years later, he moved to England. He set up his medical practice in Throgmorton Street in London. On April 2, 1683, he was officially allowed to practice medicine by the Royal College of Physicians.

Medical Practice and Challenges

John Groenveldt became known as a specialist in treating conditions like gout and kidney stones. He had many powerful supporters who believed in his methods. However, some other doctors did not agree with his treatments. They sometimes questioned his medical practices.

In 1693, he was called before the Royal College of Physicians. They looked into his use of a medicine called cantharidin. Even though there were concerns, he was not punished at that time. In April 1697, he was called before the college again for using the same medicine. This time, he was fined and briefly held in Newgate Prison, but he was released quickly.

One of his female patients later took legal action against him. She claimed he had given her a large amount of the medicine. Even though many doctors from the college supported her, the court decided in Groenveldt's favor. He then tried to sue the college for holding him in prison. However, the court ruled against him on June 8, 1700.

In May 1710, John Groenveldt was living in Threadneedle Street in London. He passed away later that same year.

His Writings

John Groenveldt, who sometimes used the name John Greenfield in England, wrote several medical books. These books shared his knowledge and ideas about medicine.

• Tutus Cantharidum in medicina Usus internus: This book was about his favorite medicine, cantharidin. It was published in 1698 and again in 1703. It was also translated into English in 1706.
• Dissertatio Lithologica: This book was about stones in the body. It was published in 1684 and had a second edition in 1687.
• Practica Medica: This book was about medical practices and was published in 1688.
• Arthritology; or a Discourse of the Gout: This book focused on the condition of gout and was published in 1691.
• Fundamenta Medicinse scriptoribus … præstantioribus deprompta: This was a medical handbook that Groenveldt put together from the teachings of his former teacher, Zypæus. It was first published without his name in 1714, then with his name in 1715. This handbook was also translated into English and published in 1715 and 1753.