POWELL, Roger

Physicians and Irregular Medical Practitioners in London 1550-1640 Database. Originally published by Centre for Metropolitan History, London, 2004.

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'POWELL, Roger', in Physicians and Irregular Medical Practitioners in London 1550-1640 Database, (London, 2004) pp. . British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/london-physicians/1550-1640/powell-roger [accessed 23 April 2024]

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Roger POWELL

Biography

Name Roger POWELL
Gender Male
Primary occupation medical empiric (Quack)
Period of medical practice 1579-1605
Other notes Accused 1589-95. Supported by EI and others. Reln of the Earl of Derby.

Censorial hearings

5 Dec 1589
Entry P was summoned.
Attitude of the accused absent
Action taken Summoned.
25 Sep 1590
Entry P, a quack, was summoned but did not appear. He was said to practise at markets.
Attitude of the accused absent
Action taken Failed to appear.
3 Sep 1591
Entry P appeared and was accused of having fixed bells on the walls of houses and having boasted in public about his cures and special experience. He was found to be unlearned and entirely illiterate, but to have had 'long and very remarkable' experience of medicine. He said he'd practised for a long time in the City and cured many suffering from dangerous diseases.
Attitude of the accused confessed
Action taken ?
5 Nov 1591
Entry P was summoned.
Attitude of the accused absent
Action taken Summoned.
Verdict case not completed
10 Jan 1595
Entry P brought a letter from Lord Herbert, sent by the Commissioners in the Queen's name. In it the Queen emphasized P's poverty and past success in medical diagnosis. He brought a supporting letter from Sir Charles Morisin, who claimed that P had cured him (for a large fee) of a swelling on the thigh when previous expensive treatment had failed. Dr Muffett was sceptical: 'Diseases are cured not by speech and letters, but by experience.'
Pressure applied by College yes
Action taken To be fined £20 & imprisoned, but let off if gave bond to abstain +
Verdict guilty
Sentence Fined £20 and imprisoned unless gave bond to abstain
Number of crimes 1
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