John Wigan (physician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Wigan
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John Wigan, around 1726-1739
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| Born | 31 January 1696 Kensington, Middlesex, England
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| Died | 5 December 1739 (aged 43) Spanish Town, Jamaica
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| Resting place | St Catherine's Church, Spanish Town |
| Occupation | Physician |
John Wigan (born January 31, 1696 – died December 5, 1739) was an important British doctor, poet, and writer. He lived in the early 1700s. His writings and translations were very popular back then. Many people read and used his work.
John Wigan was the head of New Inn Hall at Oxford University from 1726 to 1732. He also worked as a doctor at Westminster Hospital between 1733 and 1738. In 1738, he traveled to Jamaica with his friend Edward Trelawny. John Wigan died in Jamaica a year later, in December 1739.
Contents
John Wigan's Life
Early Years and School
John Wigan was born in 1696. His father was William Wigan, a church leader in Kensington. His mother was Mary Sonds. When John was 14, he started studying at Westminster School. After that, he went to Christ Church, Oxford university. There, he earned several degrees, including his BA, MA, and MD.
A Talented Writer and Doctor
In 1726, while still finishing his studies, John Wigan became the head of New Inn Hall. He was already well-known for his medical writings and poems. In 1723, he translated the works of an ancient doctor named Aretaeus of Cappadocia. This translation was very important. Another famous doctor, Herman Boerhaave, even used it for his own work. John Wigan's poems were also liked by many. They were published in a collection called "Carmina quadragesimalia" and other places.
Working in London
In 1731, John Wigan joined the Royal College of Surgeons of England. This is a special group for doctors. He then moved to Craig's Court in London. In 1733, he was chosen to be a doctor at Westminster Hospital. He worked there until 1738.
Life in Jamaica
In 1738, John Wigan traveled to Jamaica with his old friend Edward Trelawny. Edward Trelawny settled in Spanish Town. Soon after, John Wigan married Mary Wheeler. She was the daughter of a local landowner named John Douce. John and Mary had one daughter together. In late 1739, John Wigan passed away in Spanish Town. He was buried under a black marble slab at St Catherine's Cathedral Church.
