Thomas Molyneux 1661-1733

Sir Thomas MOLYNEUX, 1st bart 1661-1733

Molyneux's bookplate (British Museum Franks Collection 20812)

Biographical Note

Born in Dublin, son of Samuel Molyneux, surveyor and master gunner. After graduating BA at Trinity College, Dublin in 1680, he moved to London, then studied medicine in Leiden and Paris; he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1686. Returning to Ireland, he graduated MD at Trinity College in 1687 and became a fellow of the College of Physicians in Ireland, and an active member of the Dublin Philosophical Society. He established a successful practice in Dublin as a physician, and was regius professor of physic at Trinity College from 1711; he was also an MP in the Irish Parliament 1695-99. He became wealthy and built a fine house in Peter Street, Dublin; he was created a baronet in 1730.

Books

Molyneux used an engraved armorial bookplate (Franks 20812). The extent of his library is not known; the baronetcy was inherited by his eldest surviving son, Daniel.

Sources

• Gambier Howe, E. R. J. Franks bequest: catalogue of British and American book plates bequeathed to the ... British Museum. London, 1903.
• Lyons, J. B. "Molyneux, Sir Thomas, first baronet (1661–1733), physician and natural philosopher." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
• Martin, E. A., A dictionary of bookplates of Irish medical doctors, Dublin, 2003, 92-3.