Hans, the youngest of seven brothers, was an intelligent child, devoted to natural history. He came to London under the guidance of Robert Boyle, the chemist to study botany and physic. He studied chemistry at Apothecaries Hall in London from 1679, taking particular interest in medical botany.
Having spent four years in London with unremitted attention to his favorite studies, he was advised to travel for further improvement.
In 1683 he toured France studying anatomy, medicine and botany and received his degree of Doctor of Medicine later the same year.
He frequented the hospitals, contracted an acquaintance with the most distinguished physicians an every where he experience that reception which is due to science and to talents.
Later he became physician to Christ’s Hospital and secretary of the Royal Society, of which he revived the ‘Transaction’.
In 1687 he was made a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. It was at that time that he was invited to travel to Jamaica as personal physician to the new governor.
In 1716, George I made him a baronet – the first physician to receive that honor. In 1719 he was elected President of the College of Physicians succeeded Sir Isaac Newton, and held the office for fifteen years.
Sir Hans Sloane (16 April 1660 – 11 January 1753)
