John Downes, MD, was born in Warwickshire, and on the 15th July, 1659, being then thirty-two years of age, was entered on the physic line at Leyden, where he graduated doctor of medicine 26th July, 1660 (DMI de Affectione Hypochondriaca). He was incorporated at Oxford 7th December, 1661; was admitted a Candidate of the College of Physicians 22nd December, 1662, and a Fellow, 29th March, 1675. He was named an Elect 29th December, 1693, in place of Dr Charleton, who had then left London; and was himself dead on the 17th October, 1694, when Dr Torlesse was appointed in his place.

Dr Downes was admitted a fellow of the Royal Society 12th December, 1667, and was physician to Christ’s hospital. He married Christian Gale, described in the marriage licence 29th July, 1671, as of Putney, Surrey, spinster, aged about twenty-six. She died before her husband. In the letters of administration CPC granted 8th November, 1694, to his daughter Christian, wife of Thomas Turberville, doctor of medicine, Dr Downes is described as late of St Dunstan’s in the West, widower.(1)

William Munk

[(1) Col. Chester’s Collections.]