Mark, a physician, who published in Latin "A Treatise upon the Dyfentery," in 1764, and a few pieces in the first volume of the "Medical Transactions" of the college of physicians, printed in 1768; but far better known, and to be distinguished chiefly hereafter, as a poet. He was born at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, November 9, 1721; and after being educated at the grammar-school in Newcastle, was sent to the universities of Edinburgh and Leyden; at which last he took his degree of doctor in physic. He was afterwards admitted by mandamus to the same degree at Cambridge; elected a fellow of the college of physicians, and one of the physicians at St Thomas's Hospital; and, upon the establishment of the queen's household, appointed one of the physicians to her majesty.

That Dr Akenside was able to acquire no other kind of celebrity than that of a scholar and a poet, is to be accounted for by the following particulars in his life and conduct, related by Sir John Hawkins.—Mr Dylon, and he were fellow-students, the one of law and the other of physic, at Leyden; where, being of congenial tempers, a friendship commenced between them that lasted through their lives. They left the university at the same time, and both settled at London: Mr Dylon took to the bar, and being possessed of a handsome fortune, supported his friend while he was endeavouring to make himself known as a physician; but in a short time, having purchased of Mr Hardinge his place of clerk of the house of commons, he quitted Westminster-hall; and for the purpose of introducing Akenside to acquaintance in an opulent neighbourhood near the town, bought a house at North-End, Hampstead; where they dwelt together during the summer season, frequenting the long-room, and all clubs and assemblies of the inhabitants.

At these meetings, which, as they were not select, must be supposed to have consisted of such persons as usually meet for the purpose of gossiping, men of wealth, but of ordinary endowments, and able to talk of little else than news and the occurrences of the day, Akenside was for displaying those talents which had acquired him the reputation he enjoyed in other companies;