Harvey, William, 1578-1657; Physicians -- England -- Biography
Harvey's appointment as personal physician to the King seems to have
brought him into close connection with his master, and it was no doubt
at this time that Charles allowed him to obtain the intimate knowledge
of the habits and structure of the deer which was afterwards turned
to such good use in the treatise on Development. Harvey, in fact,
became the personal friend of his king, he accompanied him everywhere,
and consequently took a share in the hunting excursions to which his
Majesty was so devoted.
This constant attendance at Court naturally interfered with Harvey's
professional duties, and his colleagues at St. Bartholomew's Hospital
soon began to complain of his absence.
"At a Court held on Sunday 19 January 1632-1623,
"In presence of Sir Robert Ducie Knight &
Baronet, President.
"DR. HARVY
"It hath been thought convenient upon complaint of some of the
chirurgions of this hospital that whereas Doctor Harvy physician
for the poor of the said hospital by reason of his attendance on
the King's Majesty cannot so constantly be present with the poor
as heretofore he hath been, but sometimes doth appoint his deputy
for the same. That therefor Doctor Andrewes physician in reversion
of the same place to this hospital in the absence of Doctor
Harvey do supply the same place whereby the said poor may be more
respected and Doctor Andrewes the better acquainted to perform the
same office when it shall fall [vacant], and in the mean time to
be recompensed by this court yearly as shall be thought fit. This
order not to prejudice Dr. Harvy in his yearly fee or in any other
respect than aforesaid."
Early in 1633 Harvey received the commands of Charles I. to attend him
on his journey to Scotland, and the annexed Minute shows that he again
endeavoured to gain the permission of the Governors of the hospital to
allow Dr. Smith to act for him in his absence.
"13 May Anno Domini 1633.
"This day came into this Compting house Doctor Smith physician by
the appointment of Dr. Harvey, physician to this hospital who is to
attend the King's Majesty into Scotland and tendered his service
to Mr. Treasurer and other the Governors for the poor in the behalf
and absence of Doctor Harvey. Answer was made by Mr. Treasurer that
Doctor Andrewes physician in reversion to this house was by the
Court ordered to attend the occasions of this house in the absence
of Doctor Harvey and to have allowance from this house accordingly.
Nevertheless if Doctor Smith pleased to accompany Doctor Andrewes
in the business, this house would be very well content, unto which
Doctor Smith replied that if Dr. Andrewes was appointed and did
perform accordingly, there is no need of two."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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