BARTHOLINUS, Thomas, a celebrated physician, son of the former, was born at Copenhagen in 1619. After studying some time in his native country, he went, in 1637, to Leyden, where he studied physic during three years. He then travelled into France, and resided two years at Paris and Montpellier, in order to improve himself under the distinguished physicians of those universities; after which he visited Italy, remained three years at Padua, and at length went to Basel, where he obtained the degree of doctor in philosophy. Returning to Copenhagen, he was appointed professor of the mathematics in 1647, and next year was nominated to the chair of anatomy, which suited better his genius and inclination, and which he held for thirteen years, distinguishing himself by several discoveries respecting the lacteal veins and lymphatic vessels. His close application, however, having rendered his constitution very infirm, he resigned his chair in 1661; but the king of Denmark allowed him the title of "honorary professor." He now retired to a little estate he had at Hagedest, near Copenhagen, where he hoped to spend the remainder of his days in peace and tranquillity;
but his house having been burnt in 1670, his library, with all his books and manuscripts, was consumed. In consideration of this loss, the king appointed Bartholinus his physician with a handsome salary, and exempted his land from all taxes; the university of Copenhagen also chose him for their librarian; and, in 1675, the king did him the honour to give him a seat in the grand council of Denmark. He wrote, 1. Anatomia Gaspari Bartholini Parentis, novis Observationibus primum locupletata, 8vo; 2. De Monstris in Natura et Medicina, 4to; 3. De Armillis Veterum, præsertim Danorum, Schedion, 8vo; and several other works. He died on the 4th of December 1680.