Richard Forster (physician) facts for kids

Richard Forster (born around 1546, died in 1616) was an English doctor. He was known for his medical work and his interest in astrology.

Early Life and Education

Richard Forster was born in Coventry, England, around the year 1546. His father was Laurence Forster. Richard went to All Souls' College, Oxford for his education. He studied hard and earned two important degrees in medicine in 1573: Bachelor of Medicine (M.B.) and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.).

A Doctor in London

Around 1575, Richard Forster became a member, or "fellow," of the Royal College of Physicians in London. This was a very important group for doctors in England. He held several key positions at the college:

• In 1583, he was chosen as a censor. Censors were like inspectors who made sure doctors followed the rules.
• In 1600, he became the treasurer, managing the college's money.
• In 1602, he was named a Lumleian lecturer. This meant he gave important lectures on anatomy and surgery.

Forster was even the president of the college twice! First, from 1601 to 1604, and then again in 1615 until he passed away on March 27, 1616.

He was a very busy doctor and had many patients. People also thought he was a great mathematician. A famous writer named William Camden mentioned his skills. Another well-known surgeon, William Clowes, praised Forster for teaching about surgery even before the official Lumleian lectures began.

Interests Beyond Medicine

Besides being a doctor, Richard Forster was also interested in astrology. This was a common belief at the time that the positions of stars and planets could affect people and events. He was seen as a leader among doctors who also practiced astrology. He even helped pass along a manuscript about astrology written by Christopher Heydon to another astrologer, Nicholas Fiske.

In 1582, Richard Forster took on a different role. He was appointed as a Consul for England in parts of Ottoman Syria. This meant he represented England in important cities like Aleppo, Damascus, and Jerusalem, helping English people and trade there.

His Writings

Richard Forster wrote about astrology. In 1567, he dedicated one of his astrological works to Henry FitzAlan, 19th Earl of Arundel. Later, in 1575, he dedicated a book called ephemerides to Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester. Ephemerides are tables that show the positions of celestial bodies over time. In his dedication, he wrote that astronomy (the study of stars and planets) was helpful for medicine.