Samuel Musgrave facts for kids

Samuel Musgrave (born September 29, 1732 – died July 5, 1780) was an English classical scholar and a doctor. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a special group for important scientists and thinkers.

Early Life and Education

Samuel Musgrave was born in a place called Washfield, in Devon, England. His father was Richard Musgrave.

In 1749, when he was about 17, Samuel started studying at Queen's College at Oxford University. He later earned his first degree (a B.A.) from Corpus Christi College in 1754. After that, he received a special scholarship called a Radcliffe travelling fellowship, which allowed him to travel and study.

Time Abroad and Political Ideas

Samuel Musgrave spent about ten years living in other countries. He was in Paris, France, when the Treaty of Paris (1763) was signed. This treaty officially ended a big war called the Seven Years' War.

While in Paris, Musgrave developed a strong belief. He thought that the British people who negotiated the treaty had made a deal that was not good for Britain. He believed they had been improperly influenced by the French government.

When he returned to England in 1765, he shared his ideas with important people. He spoke to Lord Halifax, who was a government official, and the Speaker of the House of Commons. The House of Commons is like a parliament where laws are made in Britain.

In 1766, Musgrave settled in Exeter, but he later moved to Plymouth. He hoped this move would help him find better work as a doctor.

The Treaty Controversy

Samuel Musgrave really wanted people to believe his theory about the treaty. In 1769, he wrote a small book called a pamphlet. He sent it to the people of Devon, saying that some members of the British government had been given money by the French government to make bad decisions.

He wrote another pamphlet that mentioned Charles d'Eon de Beaumont, who was a French diplomat in England. This caused a big argument and a lot of talk. In 1770, the House of Commons looked into Musgrave's claims. After investigating, they decided that his accusations were not proven.

Later Life and Works

After the controversy, Samuel Musgrave moved to London. He earned money by writing until he died in 1780. He did not have much money at the end of his life.

He wrote several books about medicine. He also worked on a famous collection of plays by an ancient Greek writer named Euripides. His version of Euripides' plays, published in 1778, was considered better than earlier versions.