The Harveian Oration of 1706 marked a final academic milestone for Walter Charleton, a scholar whose career spanned the professional evolution of seventeenth-century medicine and natural philosophy. Born in 1619 in Shepton Mallet, his intellectual life shifted from early medical practice under the Stuart monarchy to the formal institutionalization of science within the Royal Society.
Medical Career and Royal Patronage
Charleton received his M.D. in 1641 at the age of twenty-two, having studied at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, under John Wilkins. His association with the crown began early, as he served as physician to Charles I while the court was at Oxford. Upon moving to London in 1650, he established himself within the medical community, eventually becoming a candidate of the College of Physicians. Following the Restoration, he maintained his royal medical connections, serving Charles II. Throughout this period, his professional life remained centered in London, specifically near Russell Street and Covent Garden.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Scientific Contributions and Philosophy
A central figure in the intellectual exchange of his time, Charleton was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1663 and a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1676. He is recognized by historians as a primary conduit for introducing Epicurean philosophy to England. His 1654 work, Physiologia Epicuro-Gassendo-Charletoniana, applied atomic hypotheses to natural science, reflecting his engagement with contemporary European thought. His writing extended into theological and natural historical realms, often prioritizing scholarly composition over the demands of a clinical practice.
Antiquarian Interests and Final Years
Beyond medicine and philosophy, Charleton explored antiquities, most notably in his 1663 publication Chorea Gigantum. In this text, he argued that Stonehenge functioned as a site for royal inauguration and assembly, attributing its construction to the Danes. This theory drew upon correspondence with the Danish antiquary Wormius. Toward the end of his life, Charleton held significant roles within the College of Physicians, serving as president between 1689 and 1691 and later as senior censor from 1698 to 1706. He died in London in 1707 and was interred at St Paul's Church, Covent Garden.
Fast facts
- Born: 2 February 1619, Shepton Mallet
- Died: 24 April 1707, London
- Education: Magdalen Hall, Oxford
- Presidency: Royal College of Physicians (1689-1691)
- Notable Membership: Royal Society
- Major Work: Chorea Gigantum (1663)
- Burial Site: St Paul's Church, Covent Garden
Questions readers ask
What was Walter Charleton's theory regarding Stonehenge?
He proposed in his 1663 book Chorea Gigantum that Stonehenge was constructed by the Danes to serve as a location for kingly inaugurations and public assemblies.
Which positions did Charleton hold at the Royal College of Physicians?
He served as president from 1689 to 1691, acted as senior censor from 1698 to 1706, and was appointed Harveian librarian.
.jpg)
