Simeon Fox facts for kids
Simeon Fox (born in 1568, died in 1642) was an English doctor. He became the leader, or President, of the College of Physicians, a very important group for doctors in England.
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A Doctor's Life
Simeon Fox was the youngest son of a famous writer named John Foxe. He was born in the home of the Duke of Norfolk.
Early Education and Travel
Simeon went to a well-known school called Eton College. Then, in 1583, he became a student at King's College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1587 and his master's degree (M.A.) in 1591.
Even though he was offered a church job, Simeon decided he wanted to study medicine instead. After college, he lived for a while with Archbishop John Whitgift. He then traveled to Italy and earned his medical degree (M.D.) from the University of Padua.
Military Service and Return to London
When he returned home, Simeon Fox joined the military. He served with Sir John Norris and the Earl of Southampton in Ireland and the Netherlands. While in the Netherlands, he was captured and held for some time in Dunkirk.
In 1603, he arrived in London and started working as a doctor. He quickly became well-known and respected in his profession.
Role at the College of Physicians
Simeon Fox joined the College of Physicians in 1605. He became a full member, or fellow, in 1608. He held many important positions at the college over the years:
- Censor: He checked on other doctors to make sure they were doing good work. He served as censor many times between 1614 and 1632.
- Registrar: He kept the college's records starting in 1627.
- Treasurer: He managed the college's money from 1629.
- Anatomy Reader: He taught about the human body in 1630.
- President: He was elected the President of the college, serving from 1634 to 1640. This was the highest position.
Simeon Fox passed away at the college house in London on April 20, 1642. He was buried in St Paul's Cathedral, as he wished.
His Legacy
Simeon Fox left money to the College of Physicians in his will. He gave £40, and his nephew added another £60. In 1656, the college decided to honor him by putting up a marble statue of him.
Sadly, this statue was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. His monument in St Paul's Cathedral was also lost in the fire. A portrait of him at the college was one of only two pictures saved from the fire, but it later disappeared.
Simeon Fox was also the doctor for John Donne, a famous writer and Dean of St Paul's Cathedral. Fox even gave money to help build a monument for John Donne.
