John Herdman, M.D., was born in Scotland, and received his general and medical education in Edinburgh. He became a member of the College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and for some years was in general practice at Leith. On the 12th July, 1800, he graduated doctor of medicine at Aberdeen, and on the 31st March, 1806, was admitted a Licentiate of the College of Physicians of London. He settled in London, was appointed physician to the City dispensary, and after a time physician to the duke of Sussex.

After practising in London for some years, Dr. Herdman relinquished his profession, and having received ordination in the church of England, preached occasionally at Alnwick, Howick, and other adjacent churches. By his marriage with the daughter of C. Hay, esq., of Lesbury, he succeeded to considerable wealth, which he diffused with a liberal hand. Dr. Herdman died at Lesbury, near Alnwick, the 26th February, 1842, aged 80.

He was the author of-
An Essay on the Causes and Phenomena of Animal Life. 8vo. Edinb. 1795.
Dissertations on White Swelling of the Joints and the Doctrine of Inflammation. 8vo. Edinb. 1802.
Discourse on the Epidemic Disease, termed Influenza. 8vo. Edinb. 1803.
Discourses on the Management of Infants and the Treatment of their Diseases. 8vo. Lond. 1807.
A Letter proposing a Plan for the Improvement of Dispensaries and the Medical Treatment of the Diseased Poor. 8vo. Lond. 1809.

William Munk