Volume 1

Microcosm of London / [Anon].

Date:
[1808-1811]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Microcosm of London / [Anon]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    144/248 page 132
    The society, according to Pennant, was originally founded by Dr. Linacre,. whom he describes as being the first who rescued the medical art from the hands of illiterate monks and empirics. He studied in Italy, was physician to Henry VII. and VIII. and died in 1524. The college was first in Kniglit-Rider-street, afterwards it was removed to Amen-corner, and finally fixed where it is. As a work of much delicacy, it has been admitted, by very competent judges, to be highly honourable to its great architect. Sir Christopher Wren. The portico leads into a square, sur- rounded with brick buildings, ornamented with stone. On one side is a statue of Charles II. ; opposite to which is another of Sir John Cutler, a man whom Pope has immortalized in a dozen verses, that do as little credit to the writer as to the memory of the unfortunate miser. Pennant observes, “ I was greatly at a loss to learn, how so much respect was shewn to a character so stigma- tized for avarice; I think myself much indebted to Dr. Warren for the extra- ordinary history. “ It appears by the annals of the college, that, in the year 1674, a con- siderable sum of money had been subscribed by the felloAvs, for the erection of a new college, the old one having been consumed in the great fire eight years before. It also appears, that Sir John Cutler, a near relation of Dr. Whistler, the president, was desirous of becoming a benefactor. A committee was appointed to wait upon Sir John, to thank him for his kind intentions. He accepted their thanks, renewed his promise, and specified the part of the building of which he intended to bear the expence. In the year 1680, statues in honour of the king and Sir John were voted by the members; and nine
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