Sir Edward Greaves, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir Edward Greaves (1608 – 11 November 1680) was an important English doctor. He was also known as the 1st Baronet, which was a special title given by the King.

Early Life and Education

Edward Greaves was born in Croydon, Surrey, in 1608. His father, John Greaves, was a rector in Colemore, Hampshire. Edward had three brothers: John, Nicholas, and Thomas.

Edward loved to learn! He went to Oxford University and became a fellow of All Souls' College in 1634. A "fellow" is like a special member or scholar. He then traveled to Padua University to study medicine. In 1636, he even wrote some Latin poems for another student, Sir George Ent, when he graduated.

After his studies in Padua, Edward returned to Oxford. He earned his first medical degree (M.B.) in 1640 and his advanced medical degree (M.D.) in 1641. He continued his learning at the university of Leyden in 1642.

Becoming a Doctor

When Edward came back to Oxford, he started working as a doctor. In 1643, he was given an important role as the Linacre superior reader of physic. This meant he was a leading teacher of medicine.

In the same year, he wrote a book called Morbus epidemicus Anni 1643. This book was about a new sickness that was spreading in Oxford. It was a mild form of typhus fever, which is a type of infection. This sickness was especially common in places where sick and injured soldiers were staying.

Working for the King

King Charles I is believed to have given Edward Greaves the special title of Baronet in 1645. This was a very important honor, as he was the first doctor to receive such a title! He also said he was the main doctor for King Charles I's army.

Later, Edward became a traveling doctor for King Charles II, along with his friend Walter Charleton. In 1653, Edward settled in London. He joined the College of Physicians in 1657, which was a group for important doctors.

Harveian Oration and Royal Physician

In 1661, Edward gave a famous speech called the Harveian oration at the College of Physicians. In his speech, he talked about the discovery of how blood circulates in the body. He compared this discovery to finding the source of the Nile River, which was a great mystery at the time. He also said that England was like a heart, sending this important medical knowledge out to other countries.

Edward Greaves became a regular doctor for King Charles II. He also owned land in St Leonard's Forest in Sussex, including an area that is now called Leonardslee.

Edward Greaves lived in Covent Garden, London. He passed away there on November 11, 1680, and was buried in the church of St. Paul's, Covent Garden.