Gresham Professor of Physic

Academic position at Gresham College, London

The Gresham Professor of Physic is a prestigious academic position at Gresham College in London, established in 1597. The role is one of the original seven professorships endowed by the will of Sir Thomas Gresham, a prominent Elizabethan merchant and financier. The position is dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of medical knowledge to the public.

History

Professor Martin Elliott, Gresham Professor of Physic

The Gresham Professorships were created as part of Sir Thomas Gresham's vision to provide free public lectures in the City of London. The Professorship of Physic, in particular, was intended to educate the public on medical science and health. The lectures were originally delivered in Gresham College, located in Gresham's mansion in Bishopsgate, and have continued to be a vital part of the college's offerings.

The role of the Gresham Professor of Physic has evolved over the centuries, reflecting changes in medical science and public health. Initially, the lectures focused on the humoral theory of medicine, which was prevalent at the time. As medical science advanced, the topics covered by the professors expanded to include anatomy, physiology, pathology, and more recently, modern medical technologies and public health issues.

Notable Professors

Throughout its history, the Gresham Professorship of Physic has been held by many distinguished physicians and medical scientists. Some notable past professors include:

• William Harvey (1578–1657), who is famous for his discovery of the circulation of blood.
• Sir Christopher Wren (1632–1723), who, although better known as an architect, was also a professor of astronomy and contributed to the field of medicine.
• Sir Thomas Browne (1605–1682), a polymath known for his works in literature and medicine.

In recent years, the position has been held by leading figures in modern medicine, such as Professor Martin Elliott, who has contributed significantly to the field of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.

Current Role

Today, the Gresham Professor of Physic continues to deliver lectures that are free and open to the public, in line with the college's founding principles. The lectures cover a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge medical research to public health challenges and medical ethics. The aim is to make complex medical topics accessible to a general audience, fostering a greater understanding of health and medicine in society.

Related pages

• Gresham College
• Thomas Gresham
• William Harvey
• Public health