Francis Bernard MD - Of the early history of this learned physician I can obtain no particulars. He was created doctor of medicine by the archbishop of Canterbury (Sancroft), 6th February, 1678, and was incorporated on that degree at Cambridge, 11th April, 1678. He was elected an Honorary Fellow of the College of Physicians 30th September, 1680; and having been created a Fellow by the charter of king James II was admitted as such 12th April, 1687. Dr Bernard was appointed assistant physician to St Bartholomew's hospital, 20th November, 1678, and subsequently became physician thereto. He died 9th February, 1697-8 and was buried in St. Botolph's, Aldersgate.
Heic juxta situs est
FRANCISCUS BERNARD, M.D.
egregium sui seculi Decus,
hujus Civitatis Deliciæ nuper,
nunc Desiderium;
quippe quæ suspexit vivum,
plorat mortuum,
eum utique optimum et in omni re literariâ
versatissimum,
quem summa et pene certa
Artis Medicæ scientia
undique comprobata feliciter
merito commendavit omnibus.
Obiit septuagenarius
Feb. 9, 1697-8.
Conjux mœrens posuit.

Dr. Bernard, who was physician in ordinary to James II, was a man of learning, well versed in literary history, and an excellent judge of the value of books. He accumulated a most valuable library, "the best collection of scarce books which had then been seen in this country." They were sold by auction in 1698.

William Munk