Digital Gallery

English physician Thomas Linacre (1460–1524) translated the work of Claudius Galen (ca. 131–ca. 201) from Greek to Latin, helping cement Galen’s importance in the history of medicine. Linacre served many notable people in his medical practice during the Tudor period (1485–1603), including King Henry VIII (1491–1547). In 1518, Linacre became distressed by the lack of regulation over the practice of medicine. In response to his concerns, Henry VIII charged Linacre to create a governing body for the medical profession. This institution later became the Royal College of Physicians in London.

• Digital Collection