Peter Shaw (physician) facts for kids

Peter Shaw (born 1694, died 1763) was an English doctor and writer who made important contributions to medicine and chemistry. He was known for his medical practice and for translating scientific books, helping to share knowledge in England.

Peter Shaw's Life Story

Peter Shaw was the son of Robert Shaw, who was a master at a grammar school in Lichfield. Peter started his career as a doctor in Scarborough. Later, around 1726, he moved to London to practice medicine. At first, he didn't have a university degree or a special license from the Royal College of Physicians, but he eventually settled in London and became very successful.

In 1740, Peter Shaw was officially allowed to practice medicine by the College of Physicians. He became a very popular doctor in London. He even received support from Sir Edward Hulse, who was a doctor for the king. As Sir Edward Hulse started to retire, Peter Shaw's career grew. In 1753, he became a candidate at the College of Physicians, and the next year, he became a full fellow.

Peter Shaw's career reached its peak when he started working for the king. In 1752, he was named a special physician to King George II. That same year, he received a medical degree from Cambridge University, thanks to a special order from the king. Just two years later, he became the king's main physician. He often traveled with King George II when the king visited Hanover. When George III became king, Peter Shaw continued in the same important role. He passed away on March 15, 1763, at the age of 69. He was buried in Wimbledon church.

Peter Shaw's Contributions to Science

Peter Shaw played a big part in developing the study of chemistry in England. He did this by translating important works by famous scientists like Georg Ernst Stahl and Herman Boerhaave. He also wrote his own books and gave lectures. Shaw was a very active writer and editor. He even edited the works of well-known thinkers like Francis Bacon and Robert Boyle.

Books Peter Shaw Translated or Adapted

Peter Shaw helped bring many scientific ideas to English readers. Some of his translations and adaptations included:

• The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, translated from Latin in 1727. This book was about how to prepare medicines.
• A New Method of Chemistry, published in 1727. This was his translation of a major chemistry book by Boerhaave.
• Philosophical Principles of Universal Chemistry, from the work of G. E. Stahl, published in 1730.
• New Experiments and Observations upon Mineral Waters, which were ideas from Dr. F. Hoffman's works, with Shaw's own notes.
• Pharmacopœia Edinburgensis, translated between 1746 and 1748.
• Novum Organum Scientiarum by Francis Bacon, which he translated in 1802 (another edition came out in 1818).

Peter Shaw's Own Writings

Peter Shaw also wrote many of his own books and essays. Here are some of his original publications:

• The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians, published in London in 1721.
• A Treatise of Incurable Diseases, published in 1723.
• Prælectiones Pharmaceuticæ, which was a series of lectures on pharmacy from 1723.
• The Juice of the Grape, or Wine preferable to Water, published in 1724.
• A New Practice of Physic, a popular medical book first published in 1726, which went through many editions.
• Three Essays in Artificial Philosophy, or Universal Chemistry, published in 1731.
• An Essay for introducing a Portable Laboratory, published in 1731, which he wrote with Francis Hauksbee. This book showed how to do chemistry experiments using a small, portable lab.
• Chemical Lectures, which were lectures he gave in London and Scarborough between 1731 and 1733, focusing on improving arts, trades, and natural philosophy.
• An Inquiry into the Contents and Virtues of the Scarborough Spa, published in 1734, about the health benefits of the Scarborough waters.
• Essays for the Improvement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, by means of Chemistry, published in 1761.
• Proposals for a Course of Chemical Experiments, published in 1761 with Francis Hauksbee, suggesting experiments for practical philosophy, arts, trade, and business.

Peter Shaw's Family Life

Peter Shaw married Frances, who was the daughter of John Hyde from Quorndon. Their daughter, Elizabeth, later married Dr. Richard Warren. Dr. Warren spoke highly of Peter Shaw's contributions to science and literature in a special speech he gave in 1768.