Joseph Ayre, M.D., was born at Lynn, in Norfolk, in 1781. At fourteen years of age he went to sea, but subsequently entered a mercantile office as a clerk. In 1803 he applied himself to medicine, the study of which he commenced at Guy’s and St. Thomas’s hospitals. The following year he went to Edinburgh, where he graduated doctor of medicine 24th June, 1807 (D.M.I. de Temperaturæ effectibus). He settled at Hull, and was elected physician to the infirmary there. He was admitted a Licentiate of the College of Physicians 25th June, 1824, and then removed to London, but in sequel to a severe injury to his head, his health gave way, and he had to leave town. He returned to Hull, where he lived generally esteemed and respected. In November, 1859, he was elected a Fellow of the College, but did not live to be admitted. He survived only a few weeks, and died at Hull 15th January, 1860, in his seventy-ninth year.

Dr. Ayre was the author of—
Practical Observations on those Disorders of the Liver and other Organs of Digestion which produce the Bilious Complaint. 8vo. Lond. 1821.
Researches into the Nature and Treatment of Dropsy in the Brain, Chest, Abdomen, Ovarium, and Skin. 8vo. Lond. 1825.
On the Treatment of Cholera by Calomel. 8vo. Lond.
On the Treatment of Dropsy in the Brain. 8vo. Lond.

William Munk