William Sermon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Sermon
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Line engraving by W. Sherwin (1671)
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| Born | c. 1629 Naunton-Beauchamp, Worcs.
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| Died | Winter 1679 |
William Sermon (born around 1629, died 1679) was an English doctor and writer about medicine. He became famous for treating important people, including a powerful general and even the King of England!
William Sermon's Life and Career
Early Life and Medical Training
William Sermon was likely born in 1629. His family came from a place called Naunton Beauchamp in Worcestershire, England. He probably got his first medical experience working with armies. This would have given him a lot of practice with different illnesses and injuries.
Helping During the Great Plague
Around April 1666, William Sermon was in Bristol. At that time, a terrible sickness called the Plague was spreading. Many doctors left the city because they were afraid. But William Sermon stayed! The mayor of Bristol asked him to help.
He worked from a tavern and later from a house, treating people who had the Plague. He said he cured everyone who followed his advice. This experience gave him a lot of practice with serious diseases. He stayed in Bristol until 1669.
Treating a Famous General
In June 1669, William Sermon was called to Newhall, Essex to treat a very important person: George Monck, Duke of Albemarle. Monck was a famous general. He was suffering from a condition called dropsy, which causes the body to swell with too much fluid.
Sermon successfully treated General Monck. A month later, Monck gave Sermon a special letter saying he was cured. This was a huge achievement for Sermon's career.
Royal Recognition and Becoming a Doctor
Because of his success with General Monck, King Charles II noticed William Sermon. In August 1669, the King sent a request to the University of Cambridge. He asked them to give Sermon a medical degree.
So, in 1670, William Sermon officially became a Doctor of Medicine (MD). This was a big step for him.
Doctor to the King
After getting his degree, William Sermon moved to London. He set up his practice in West Harding Street. He quickly became a very popular doctor. His skills and reputation grew. Eventually, he was made the "Physician-in-Ordinary to the King." This meant he was one of the King's personal doctors!
William Sermon's Books
William Sermon also wrote several books about medicine. He wanted to share his knowledge and help more people.
Advertisement concerning those most famous and safe cathartiques and diuretique Pills
In 1672, the eighth edition of this book came out. It was about his special pills that helped cure General Monck's dropsy. Sermon used this book to explain that General Monck did not die from dropsy, even though some people spread rumors.
The Ladies Companion, or the English Midwife
This book was published in 1671. It was a guide for women, especially about childbirth. It included pictures showing how a baby moves during birth. Sermon wrote in this book about how some people were jealous of his success.
A Friend to the Sick, or the honest English Man's preservative
His third book came out in 1673. It was a helpful guide for sick people. It talked specifically about dropsy, scurvy, and yellow jaundice. Other writers, like Payne Fisher and William Winstanley, wrote poems praising Sermon that were included in this book.
Later Life and Legacy
William Sermon passed away in the winter of 1679. He died at his home in London. A portrait of him was made in 1671 by William Sherwin. It shows him at 42 years old, wearing his doctor's gown. This portrait was even included in some of his books.
