William Browne (physician) facts for kids
Sir William Browne (born 1692, died March 10, 1774) was an important English doctor. He was also a member of the Royal Society, a group for top scientists.
Contents
Sir William Browne's Life Story
William Browne was born in County Durham, England. He went to Durham School and then studied at Peterhouse, Cambridge University. After finishing his studies in 1716, he became a doctor.
He worked as a doctor in a town called King's Lynn, in Norfolk, for over 30 years. In 1749, he moved to Bloomsbury, London.
Important Roles and Honors
Sir William Browne was a very respected doctor. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1726. This is a special group for doctors. Later, he was even the President of the College in 1765 and 1766. He also became a member of the Royal Society in 1739.
In 1748, he was made a knight, which means he was given the title "Sir" by the King.
His Legacy and Medals
When Sir William Browne passed away in 1774, he left money to help students. He created a scholarship at Peterhouse, his old college. He also set up gold medals for students at Cambridge University. These medals, called the Sir William Browne's Medals, are given for the best poetry written in ancient Greek and Latin.
Sir William Browne wrote several books during his life. One of his most famous writings was a short, clever poem. It explained why King George I gave a special library to Cambridge University instead of Oxford University.
The king to Oxford sent a troop of horse,
For tories own no argument but force;
With equal care to Cambridge books he sent,
For whigs allow no force but argument.
Sir William Browne's Family
While living in King's Lynn, William Browne married Mary Greene (1699–1763). Her mother was Elizabeth Truman from Maryland, and her father, Charles Greene, was a pharmacist.
William and Mary had one daughter, also named Mary (1730–1773). She later married William Folkes (1700–1773), who was a lawyer. Their son became a very important person named Sir Martin Browne Ffolkes. He was also a member of the Royal Society and a Member of Parliament.
Images for kids
-
Sir William Browne, a famous doctor from England.
