John Nott (physician) facts for kids

John Nott (1751–1825) was an English doctor and a smart person who studied old Greek and Roman writings. He was known for translating many important books from ancient languages into English.

A Life of Learning and Travel

John Nott was born in Worcester, England, on December 24, 1751. His father, Samuel Nott, worked for King George III. John started studying surgery in Birmingham and London. He also learned in Paris, France.

Around 1775, John traveled around Europe for two years. Later, in 1783, he went to China as a surgeon on a ship. This trip lasted three years, and during that time, he learned the Persian language! After returning to England, he traveled again with his family until 1788.

Even after all his travels, John Nott didn't have a medical degree yet. So, in 1789, he officially became a licensed doctor. He then worked as a physician for important people, like the Duchess of Devonshire, traveling with them in Europe until 1793.

After his travels, John Nott settled in Hotwells, Bristol. He lived there for the rest of his life. For the last eight years of his life, he had a condition called hemiplegia, which caused weakness on one side of his body. He passed away on July 23, 1825, in Clifton, Bristol.

What He Wrote

John Nott was a very busy writer and translator. He wrote many books and poems. He was especially good at translating old texts from Latin and Greek into English.

Some of his works include:

• Kisses: being an English Translation in Verse of the Basia of Joannes Secundus Nicolaius, with Latin Text and an Essay on his Life, 1775.
• Sonnets and Odes of Petrarch, translated, 1777.
• Select Odes from Hafiz, translated into English verse, 1787.
• The Poems of Caius Valerius Catullus in English Verse, with the Latin text versified and classical notes, 1794.
• Odes of Horace, with Latin text, 1803.

He also wrote about medical topics, like the hot springs near Bristol. John Nott also contributed articles to magazines like the Gentleman's Magazine. His translations of famous ancient poets like Catullus and Propertius were very popular and were reprinted many times.

His Family

John Nott's nephew, named George Frederick Nott, was his executor and inherited his belongings.