58 THE LAND-MARKS OF 



Mead's theory, introduction to the cssaj is somewhat mystical, 

 and contains not a few unsubstantial hypotheses, 

 but this fact in no way detracts from the value 

 of the more practical portion of the work. 

 Previous to the year 1700, the subject had en- 

 grossed the attention of Monsieur Charas and 

 the Abbd Francesco Redi ; the latter especially 



cian of his day. In 1727 he was made physician to 

 George II. whom he had served in that capacity whilst he 

 was Prince of Wales. During almost half a century he 

 was at the head of his profession, and he was admired no 

 less as a man thau as a physician. His reputation, not 

 only as a physician but as a scholar, was so universally 

 established that he corresponded with the principal 

 literati in Europe. This great physician, naturalist and 

 antiquary died on the 16th of February 1754." (Vide 

 Cyclopcedia Britannioa). 

 Anecdotes of "^^^ following anecdote is told of Mead. Woodward, 

 **""*■ the Professor of Physio at the Gresham College, having 

 offered some insult to Mead, so infuriated him, that he 

 drew his sword and ordered Woodward to defend him- 

 self—" The duel terminated in Mead's favour, as far as 

 martial prowess was concerned, for he disarmed Woodward 

 and ordered him to beg for his life. 



' Never, till I am your patient,' answered Woodward, 

 happily." (Vide " Doctors and Patients.") 



For an interesting account of Dr. Mead, vide " A Book 

 about Doctors," by J. Cordy Jeaffreson, 



