John Leake, M.D., was born the 8th June, 1729, at Ainstable, in Cumberland, of which place his father, the Rev. William Leake, was then curate. He was a doctor of medicine of Rheims of the 9th August,1763, and was admitted a Licentiate of the College of Physicians 25th June, 1766. He devoted himself to midwifery, delivered lectures on that subject, and was the first physician appointed to the Westminster Lying-in hospital, of which institution he is regarded as the founder. He died at his house in Parliament-street, 8th August,1792, and was buried on the 16th in the north cloister of Westminster Abbey. Dr. Leake’s portrait was painted by D. Gardiner, and engraved by Bartolozzi. His published works are—
A Syllabus of Lectures on the Theory and Practice of Midwifery. 4to. Lond. 1767.
Practical Observations on Childbed Fever ; also on the Nature and Treatment of Uterine Hemorrhage, Convulsions, &c. 8vo. Lond. 1772.
A Lecture introductory to the Theory and Practice of Midwifery. 4to. Lond. 1773.
Practical Observations on the Acute Diseases incident to Women. 8vo. Lond. 1774.
The Description and Use of a New Forceps. 4to. Lond. 1773.
Vindication of his Forceps against the remarks of T. Denman, M.D. 4to. Lond. 1774.
Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Midwifery. 8vo. Lond. 1777.
Medical Instructions towards the Prevention and Cure of Chronic or Slow Diseases peculiar to Women. 8vo. Lond. 1777.
A Dissertation on the Properties and Efficacy of the Lisbon Diet Drink in the Venereal, Scurvy, Gout, &c. 8vo. Lond.
A Practical Essay on Diseases of the Viscera, particularly of the Stomach and Bowels, the Liver, Spleen, and Urinary Bladder. 8vo. Lond. 1792.

William Munk