BROWNE, SIR THOMAS, an eminent physician and celebrated writer, was born at London on the 19th of October 1605. Having studied at Winchester College, and afterwards at Oxford, he travelled through France and Italy; and returning by the way of Holland, he took his degree of doctor of physic at Leyden. In 1636 he settled at Norwich, and the year following was incorporated as doctor of physic at Oxford. His Religio Medici made a great noise; and being translated into Latin, instantly spread throughout Europe, and gained him a prodigious reputation. It was then translated into almost every language in Europe. This book has been heavily censured by some as tending to infidelity, and even atheism; whilst others, with much more reason, have applauded the piety, as well as the parts and learning, of the author. His Treatise on
Vulgar Errors was read with equal avidity; he also published Hydriotaphia, or a Discourse of Sepulchral Urns lately found in Norfolk. His reputation in his profession was equal to his fame for learning in other respects; and therefore the college of physicians were pleased to take him into their number as an honorary member; and King Charles II. coming to Norwich in his progress in 1671, was pleased to knight him, with singular marks of favour and respect. He died on his birthday in 1681, leaving several manuscripts behind him, which were published under the title of The Posthumous Works of the learned Sir Thomas Browne, Knt. M. D.