William Lewis (scientist)
Encyclopedia
William Lewis FRS (c1708 – 1781) was an English chemist and physician. He is known for his writings related to pharmacy and medicine, and for his research into metals.
on 17 March 1730. He was graduated B.A. in 1734, and proceeded M.A. 1737, M.B. 1741, and M.D. 1745. He practiced as a physician, and in 1746 was living in Dover Street
, London, but shortly afterwards moved to Kingston upon Thames
. At the opening of the Radcliffe Library in 1749, Lewis delivered the oration. He died in Kingston, Surrey on 21 January 1781 and was buried in Richmond.
Lewis also published translations of Caspar Neuman's chemical works in 1759, and (posthumously) of Hoffman's System of the Practice of Medicine (1783).
Two papers by him on platinum appeared in the Philosophical Transactions for 1754 and 1767. In 1767 the Society for the Improvement of Arts, Manufactures, &c., of which he was a founder, awarded him a gold medal for an essay upon 'potashes'.
Life and work
William Lewis, the son of John (William?) Lewis, a brewer, was born in Richmond, Surrey. He matriculated at Christ Church, OxfordChrist Church, Oxford
Christ Church or house of Christ, and thus sometimes known as The House), is one of the largest constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England...
on 17 March 1730. He was graduated B.A. in 1734, and proceeded M.A. 1737, M.B. 1741, and M.D. 1745. He practiced as a physician, and in 1746 was living in Dover Street
Dover Street
Dover Street is a street in Mayfair, London, England. The street is notable for its Georgian architecture as well as the location of historic London clubs and hotels, which have been frequented by world leaders and historic figures in the arts. It also hosts a number of contemporary art galleries...
, London, but shortly afterwards moved to Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames is the principal settlement of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in southwest London. It was the ancient market town where Saxon kings were crowned and is now a suburb situated south west of Charing Cross. It is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the...
. At the opening of the Radcliffe Library in 1749, Lewis delivered the oration. He died in Kingston, Surrey on 21 January 1781 and was buried in Richmond.
Selected writings
- A Course of Practical Chemistry, London, 1746, 8vo.
- Pharmacopœia Edinburgensis, London, 1748, 8vo.
- The New Dispensatory, London, 1753, 8vo, Edinburgh, 1781, 1791.
- Experimental History of the Materia Medica, London, 1761, 4to; 2nd edit. 176S; 3rd edit, by J. Aiken, 1784; German translation,1771.
- Commercium Philosophico-Technicum, London, 1763–1766, 4to.
Lewis also published translations of Caspar Neuman's chemical works in 1759, and (posthumously) of Hoffman's System of the Practice of Medicine (1783).
Two papers by him on platinum appeared in the Philosophical Transactions for 1754 and 1767. In 1767 the Society for the Improvement of Arts, Manufactures, &c., of which he was a founder, awarded him a gold medal for an essay upon 'potashes'.