James Sims, M.D., was the son of a dissenting minister, born in the county of Down in 1741, and after a good preliminary education was sent to Leyden, where he proceeded doctor of medicine in 1764 (D.M.I. de Temperie Foemineâ et Morbis inde Oriundis). Returning to Ireland, he settled at Tyrone, where he practised for nine or ten years with distinguished reputation, and then removed to London. He was admitted a Licentiate of the College of Physicians 30th September, 1778. In 1810, after a successful career in town, whereby he had accumulated an easy competency, Dr. Sims removed to Bath, where he died in 1820, in the eightieth year of his age. Dr. Sims was physician to the General dispensary, and one of the founders of the London Medical Society, of which he was for many years president. "He was," says Mr. Wadd, " a good-humoured, pleasant man, full of anecdote, an ample reservoir of good things, and for figures and facts a perfect chronicle of other times. He had a most retentive memory, but when that failed in any particular he referred to a book of knowledge in the shape of a pocket-book, from which he quoted with oracular authority." Dr. Sims’ portrait was painted by Medley, and engraved by Branwhite. He was the author of— 
Observations on Epidemic Diseases, with Remarks on Nervous and Malignant Fevers. 8vo. Lond. 1773.
A Discourse on the best method of prosecuting Medical Inquiries. 8vo. Lond. 1774.
The Principles and Practice of Midwifery, by G. Foster, M.D., completed by James Sims, M.D. 8vo. Lond. 1781.

William Munk