Meyer Löw Schomberg facts for kids

Meyer Löw Schomberg (born in 1690 – died March 4, 1761) was a German doctor. He moved to London and built a very successful medical practice there.

Meyer's father, Löw Schomberg, was also a doctor in Meyer's hometown. Meyer likely followed in his father's footsteps. He studied classic subjects and then medicine at the University of Giessen, just like his brothers Salomon, Hertz, and Gerson.

After earning his medical degree in 1710, Meyer worked as a doctor in a few different towns: Schweinsberg, Blankenstein, and Metz. In 1721, he decided to move to London and settle there. His first job in London was working for the Great Synagogue of London. They paid him £30 a year to care for the poor people in their community.

Meyer quickly gained recognition in London. On March 19, 1722, the Royal College of Physicians accepted him as a licensed doctor. He promised to pay the £20 fee later. Then, on January 12, 1726, he became a fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very important group for scientists. In 1730, he joined a freemasons' lodge, a social and charitable organization.

By 1740, Meyer Schomberg was very successful. People said he earned about 4000 guineas a year from his medical work. Some believed his success came from being friendly and helpful to younger surgeons.

However, Meyer also had some rivalries. He was quite jealous of another doctor named Jacob de Castro Sarmento. In 1729, Meyer tried to stop Sarmento from joining the Royal Society by spreading bad rumors about him, but it didn't work. Later, in 1738, Meyer publicly criticized Sarmento's medical treatment for a former patient of his. Sarmento complained to the Royal College of Physicians about this. Meyer was fined £4 for breaking their rules. This made Meyer very angry, and he started a long disagreement with the College, even involving his son Isaac.

Meyer's personal beliefs also changed over time. He wrote an essay in 1746 about his changing ideas about faith. Because of these changes, he grew apart from London's Jewish community and from doctors like Sarmento. He also got involved in many expensive legal battles. After 1742, he even encouraged his sons to become Anglican Christians if it would help them succeed in their chosen careers, which was another way he distanced himself from the Jewish community.

Balmes House (north of Hoxton) was used by Schomberg as a private hospital for people with mental health issues. Some believe the word barmy (meaning silly or crazy) came from this place.

When Meyer passed away, he was buried in Hackney churchyard.

Family Life

Meyer Schomberg had a large family, with at least seven sons and one daughter:

• Isaac: He was a doctor. In his father's will, Isaac and his brother Alexander received most of the family's money.
• Ralph or Raphael: Isaac's twin brother. He was also a doctor and a public notary. He received a small amount of money in his father's will.
• Joel: A doctor who worked in Metz and Thann.
• Moses (1720–1779): He worked as a public notary.
• Solomon (1724–1774): Also a public notary. He received a small amount of money in his father's will.
• Rebecca (1719–1742): She passed away when she was young.
• Alexander (1720–1804): He was a captain in the Royal Navy. Like Isaac, he received most of his father's money in the will.
• Henry Schomberg: He joined the army and became a lieutenant-colonel. He received a small amount of money in his father's will.