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Theodore de Mayerne (1573–1655) was one of the most famous physicians of his time, serving the royal courts of Europe. He is remembered for advocating the theories of Paracelsus with the use of chemical remedies in medical practice. Mayerne's estate included medical manuscripts, including detailed notes about his patients, most of it in Latin and French; his patients ranged from John Donne to Oliver Cromwell and his papers are kept in the Royal College of Physicians archive. Mayerne had a colourful personality and although he lived in England for 44 years, he refused to own land in the country and only spoke the language if necessary, staying true to his French-Swiss heritage. In his last years he became immobile through obesity, but was unconcerned, maintaining that ‘an evil soul never dwells in a fat body’.
Royal College of Physicians, London
London
Title
Sir Theodore de Mayerne (1573–1655)
Date
18th C
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 33.6 x W 28.5 cm
Accession number
X158
Acquisition method
gift from Mrs Douglas Hearn, 1966
Work type
Painting