Joseph Letherland
Joseph LETHERLAND 1699-1764
Biographical Note
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon and educated at University of Leiden, graduating MD in 1724; he was made a doctor of medicine at Cambridge in 1736, and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1737. He practised in London, and was physician at St Thomas's Hospital from 1736 to 1759. In 1761 he was appointed physician to Queen Charlotte.
Books
Letherland collected a large number of books, many on medicine, but also classical and dramatic literature, poetry, history. His library was sold in London by Samuel Baker beginning 14 March 1765 and lasting for 21 days. The sale catalogue contains 3563 lots, covering a wide variety of subjects - a large proportion on medicine and science, but also classical literature, drama and history. Examples: Wadham College, Oxford; Harris Manchester College, Oxford, X1620/1; University of Glasgow, Sp Coll Hunterian Au.4.1.
Characteristic Markings
Very few of his books appear to have been identified yet. One has been found at Harris Manchester College, Oxford which has the inscription: "Liber J. Letherland, et amicorum, Londin. 1738." (Pindar's works, printed 1620, lot number 3491 in the sale catalogue).
Sources
- Payne, J. F., and Claire L. Nutt. "Letherland, Joseph (1699–1764), physician." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
- Baker, Samuel. A Catalogue of the Genuine and Truly Valuable Library of the Very Learned Dr. Joseph Letherland, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Lately Deceased; Which Will Be Sold by Auction by Samuel Baker, in York-Street, Convent Garden, on Thursday, March the 14th 1765, and to Continue the Twenty-One Following Evenings, (Saturdays, Sundays and Good Friday Excepted.) Beginning Each Evening at Six O’clock. N.B. The Books to Be Viewed on Thursday the 7th, and to the Time of Sale. 1765.