Thomas Bonham (physician) facts for kids

Thomas Bonham (born around 1564, died around 1628) was an English doctor. He is mostly remembered for a famous legal case. This case was important for law, not so much for medicine.

Thomas Bonham's Life

Thomas Bonham went to St John's College, Cambridge for his education. He earned his first degree there in 1581. He later received a master's degree in 1585. He also studied at Oxford in 1584 and became a medical doctor there in 1611.

Dr. Bonham worked as a physician in London. He was also a helper to the Society of Medicine-Chirurgians. He passed away around the year 1629.

The Famous Bonham's Case

Dr. Bonham had a medical degree from Cambridge University. However, to practice medicine in London and give people internal medicines, he needed a special license. This license came from the College of Physicians of London.

Dr. Bonham supported the surgeons, who were a separate group of medical professionals at the time. In 1605, the surgeons tried to get full rights as doctors, but they were not successful.

Bonham then tried to get a license from the College of Physicians himself. He took exams in 1605 and 1606. During his second exam, he had a disagreement with Henry Atkins from the College. Because of this, Bonham was sent to Newgate Prison. However, his lawyer helped him get out using a legal process called habeas corpus.

Even after being released, Dr. Bonham still faced a large fine from the College for practicing without their license. So, he decided to fight the College in court. This legal battle became very important. It set the Court of Common Pleas against the Court of King's Bench.

A very important judge named Sir Edward Coke ruled in favor of Dr. Bonham. Judge Coke said that even powerful groups like the College of Physicians had to follow the common law. This decision made the King and some other lawyers very upset. But it was a ruling that people talked about for the next two hundred years. It showed that the law was above everyone, even powerful organizations.

Dr. Bonham's Written Works

After Dr. Bonham died, he left his books and papers to his helper, Edward Poeton. Edward Poeton then put these writings together and published them. The book was called The Chyrurgians Closet, or Antidotarie Chyrurgicall. It was published in London in 1630. Poeton dedicated the book to Frances, Dowager Countess of Exeter. She was the second wife of Thomas Cecil, 1st Earl of Exeter.