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Thomas Moundeford (1550–1630) was an important English doctor and scholar. He was the president of the London College of Physicians for several periods during his career.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Moundeford was born in Feltwell, England, in 1550. He was the fourth son of Sir Edmund Moundeford. He went to school at Eton College. Later, he became a student at King's College, Cambridge, in 1568.

He studied there and became a fellow in 1571. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1572 and his master's degree (M.A.) in 1576. In 1580, he decided to study medicine. He stayed at King's College until 1583, when he left after getting his medical degree (M.D.).

Career as a Physician

After finishing his studies, Dr. Moundeford moved to London. In 1593, he became a licensed doctor with the College of Physicians. A year later, in 1594, he became a full fellow. He lived in Milk Street in the City of London.

He became a royal physician, meaning he was a doctor for the queen and king. He cared for Queen Elizabeth I and later King James I.

The Mary Glover Case

In the 1590s, Dr. Moundeford treated a young woman named Mary Glover. Some people believed she was affected by "demonic possession." However, Dr. Moundeford believed her condition was natural, not supernatural. This case led to a famous trial. The College of Physicians had different opinions on the matter. Dr. Moundeford's view was that it was a natural illness.

Leadership at the College of Physicians

Dr. Moundeford was a very active member of the College of Physicians. He served as a "censor" seven times. Censors were like guardians of medical standards. He was also the treasurer in 1608.

He was elected president of the College of Physicians many times: in 1612, 1613, 1614, 1619, 1621, 1622, and 1623.

In 1611, he was asked to treat Arbella Stuart, a relative of the king. He tried to help her and suggested she be treated more kindly. Because of this, he was briefly put in prison.

Later Life and Death

In his later years, Dr. Moundeford became blind. He passed away in 1630 at the home of his son-in-law, Sir John Bramston, in London. He was buried in the church of St. Mary Magdalen, Milk Street.

Published Works

Dr. Moundeford also wrote and translated books.

De morbis melancholicis Tractatus

In 1599, he translated a French book by André Du Laurens into Latin. The book was called De morbis melancholicis Tractatus. This book was about "melancholia," which was a term used for a type of sadness or depression at the time. He became known as an expert on this topic.

Vir Bonus

In 1622, Dr. Moundeford published his own small book titled Vir Bonus. This book was a summary of the wisdom he had gained from his life experiences. It was divided into four main parts: "Temperantia" (moderation), "Prudentia" (wisdom), "Justicia" (justice), and "Fortitude" (courage). In his book, he shared his thoughts on various subjects.

Family Life

In 1583, Thomas Moundeford married Mary Hill. Her father, Richard Hill, was a merchant from Milk Street, London. Mary lived a very long life, passing away in 1656 at the age of 94. She died in the same house on Milk Street where they had lived together. She was a very religious person.

They had two sons, Osbert and Richard. Both sons became scholars at King's College, Cambridge. Sadly, both of them passed away before their father did. Their names and a poem about them are mentioned in John Stow's book about London.

Dr. Moundeford also had two daughters. Bridget married Sir John Bramston in 1606. His other daughter, Katharine, married Christopher Rander.

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