Josiah Clerk facts for kids

Josiah Clerk (born in 1639, died in 1714) was an English doctor. He was even the president of the Royal College of Physicians, though only for a short time.

Early Life and Education

Josiah Clerk started his studies at Peterhouse, Cambridge, in December 1656. He worked hard and earned two important degrees in medicine. He received his first medical degree (M.B.) in 1661. A few years later, on July 3, 1666, he earned his M.D., which stands for Doctor of Medicine.

Career at the Royal College of Physicians

Clerk joined the College of Physicians, a very important group for doctors, in 1671. He became a full member, called a fellow, in 1675.

He took on several important roles at the college:

• He was a censor in 1677 and again in 1692. A censor was like an inspector, making sure doctors followed the rules.
• In 1694, he was chosen as an elect. This meant he was one of the senior members who could vote for the president.
• In 1708, he gave the Harveian oration. This was a special speech given each year to honor a famous doctor named William Harvey.
• He also served as a consiliarius (advisor) several times between 1707 and 1712.

President of the College

In 1708, Josiah Clerk was chosen to be the president of the College of Physicians. This happened after the previous president, Dr. Edward Browne, passed away. Clerk was re-elected president later that same year.

However, Clerk was quite old and not feeling well. Because of his health, he could not continue as president for long. He resigned from the role in December 1708. After his resignation, Charles Goodall became the new president.

Later Years and Legacy

Even though he resigned as president, Josiah Clerk continued to serve the college. He had been chosen as the treasurer in April 1708. He kept this important job, managing the college's money, for the rest of his life.

Josiah Clerk passed away in the autumn of 1714. He was 75 years old. He was buried privately in a family vault at St. Olave Hart Street Church. He had a wife named Abigail and a daughter named Elizabeth.

Today, a portrait of Josiah Clerk can be found at the Royal College of Physicians.