Eminent Physicians.
The manuscript of our friend next introduces another class of society; different indeed from that of the Nobility, but no less estimable, nor at all less valuable. It may indeed admit of a question, whether, as far as literary men are interested, the warmest, truest, and kindest friends are not to be found amongst the professors of medicine. They are enlightened themselves; they owe their success to talent, cultivated by labour, and improved by experience. To be accomplished in their art, they must necessarily be studious, addicted to science, and proficients in the more elegant arts. They must consequently have a general sympathy with all who are engaged in scholastic pursuits; and it is manifest that they have, for there are very few instances in which, when called upon, their advice is not, when the occasion justifies it, promptly and gratuitously communicated, and, very often, assistance given of a more extensive and substantial nature.
Among those who were personally known to our Sexagenary, and who individually deserve the above tribute of esteem and commendation bestowed on the profession, were the late Dr. H. Dr. W. P. Drs. M. (father and son), Sir G. B. Dr. W. Dr. D. P. Dr. B. Dr. A. J. H. A. C. Sir E. H. and a long list of names besides, who were, and perhaps are, an ornament to the profession, and a common benefit to society.
The benevolence of Dr. H. was proverbial, long before his death; so was that of Dr. W. P. and of many others. Sir G. B. was the warm and zealous patron of Porson; and it probably was not his fault, that he did not through life, continue his friendly countenance. Some of these worthies deserve more particular and circumstantial notice, and they shall have it. To begin with
The P⸺s.
This ancient and truly amiable family were long resident in the county of Fife. D. P. the brother of Dr. W. P. and father of Dr. D. was a Minister of the Church of Scotland, and for more than fifty years presided over the Church of Dysart, where he was a most exemplary parish priest, and universally beloved, for he was indeed the father of his flock.
His original destination was the profession of medicine, and he had visited foreign countries with such intention; but he afterwards went into the church, and officiated among his parishioners both as pastor and physician. He was a man of extraordinary abilities, possessed much wit and humour, and was indeed remarkable for the variety of his talents. He had a very fine person, and the most agreeable and amiable manners.
One of his brothers went into the army. Poor Major P.! he lost his life at the age of fifty-two, at the unfortunate battle of Bunker’s Hill, where he commanded the corps of marines. When he fell, every man of those whom he commanded cried out, “We have lost our father!” He was carried off the field on the shoulders of his son.
His next brother, Dr. W. P. was, as is well known, very high in the profession of physic. Perhaps it may be asserted without fear of dispute or contradiction, that a more excellent and benevolent character never existed. On the melancholy death of his brother, the Major, he instantly became the father of his children: notus in fratrem animi paterni.—He was, in every respect, their protector, their guardian, and their friend.
The fate of the Major’s family was somewhat singular. Mrs. P. the mother of Dr. David P. lived to a very advanced age, and survived five sons. Of these, four reached manhood, and all obtained credit in their several professions.