Thesaurus Medicinae Practicae (1701, first published in 1672)
Burnet, Thomas (1638-1704)
Thesaurus Medicinae Practicae, 1701.
Sir Thomas Burnet was a Scottish physician known for his duty to four successive English sovereigns and a preeminent physician. Burnet was a son of Robert Burnet, Lord Crimond (1592-1661), a notable Scottish advocate and judge. Burnet studied medicine at the University of Montpellier, obtaining his degree in 1659.
His theses were based on Galen and Hippocrates. Upon graduation, he returned to Edinburgh and attended to five royals: King Charles II, James II, William III, Queen Mary, and Queen Anne. Burnet’s name is found in the original 1681 Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh charter, and was its sixth president (1696-1698). Burnet’s son, Thomas Burnet (Jr.), obtained a medical degree at Leiden University in 1691.
Thesaurus Medicinae Practicae was initially published in 1672. The Thesaurus is divided into eighteen sections with medical conditions described in alphabetic order, starting with letter A, abdominal abscess, abortion, and ending section A with Aurium fluxu (ear discharge). Section B starts with Bubone (The plague), and Section C starts with Cachexia (severe weight loss). Overall, the Thesaurus contains 443 conditions, each revealing a summary of knowledge of the time along with accessible pharmaceutical remedies. The book focuses on describing and diagnosing the disease and its treatment. As a writer of the Thesaurus Medicinae Practicae and a reader of Hippocrates and Galen’s ideas, Burnet’s texts were recognized and trusted. The book served as a dictionary for his colleagues and professional medical practitioners.
Based on research by Hannah Ku, class of 2026, as part of her assignment in Elective in History of Medicine and Dentistry, 2022-2023. Edited by Andrew I Spielman.
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