SOME ESSEX DOCTORS.
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interests, Aubrey, in his "Lives of Eminent Personages," tells
us that "William Harvey took no manner of care about his
"Worldly concerns, but his brother Eliab, who was a very wise
"and prudent manager, ordered all, not only faithfully, but
"better than he could have done for himself."
William Harvey spent five years at King's School, Canterbury,
which he entered in 1588, and when his school period was
completed he proceeded to Caius College, Cambridge, the Register
Book giving the date of his admission as 31 May, 1593. That
he was intended for the medical profession is evident by the
selection of this College, originally Gonville Hall, but refounded
as Gonville and Caius by Dr. Caius. Dr. Caius was an eminent
Greek scholar, and is said to be responsible for the introduction
of the study of practical anatomy into England. In the 6th
year of Elizabeth a Charter was granted to this College, by
which the Master and Fellows were allowed two bodies annually
of those executed in Cambridge or its Castle, for dissection
purposes. Harvey graduated B.A. in 1597, and in the same year
travelled through France and Germany to Padua in Italy,
where he attached himself to the University there, perhaps
influenced by Dr. Caius' connection with this seat of learning, for
he had been lecturer in Greek there. Attached to Padua was
Hieronymus Fabricus, surgeon, anatomist, the historian of
medicine, and one of the most learned and renowned teachers
of his day. Probably it was due to the teachings of Fabricus,
between whom and Harvey a fast friendship existed, that his
thoughts were turned in the direction which resulted in his
great discovery, for Fabricus during Harvey's residence was
busily engaged in perfecting his knowledge of the valves of the
veins, about which he published his observations in 1603.
Harvey graduated as Doctor of Medicine in 1602. His diploma
recites that "he had conducted himself so wonderfully well
"in the examination, and had shown so much skill, memory
"and learning that he had far surpassed even the great hopes
"which his examiners had formed of him. They decided
"therefore that he was skilful, expert and most efficiently
"qualified both in arts and medicine, and to this they put their
"hands unanimously, willingly, with complete agreement, and
"unhesitatingly." Following this he returned to England and
obtained the degree of M.D. from the University of Cambridge.