[993]Jonathan Godard, M.D., borne at Greenwich (or Rochester, where his father commonly lived; but, to my best remembrance, he told me at the former). His father was a ship-carpenter.
He was of Magdalen hall, Oxon. He was one of the College of Physitians, in London; Warden of Merton College, Oxon,durante perduellione; physitian to Oliver Cromwell, Protector; went with him into Ireland. Quaere if not also sent to him into Scotland, when he was so dangerously ill there of a kind of calenture or high fever, which made him mad that he pistolled one or two of his commanders that came to visit him in his delirious rage.
Collegii Greshamensis Praelector[994]medicinae; where he lived, and had his laboratory[995]for Chymistrie. He was an admirable Chymist.
He had three or fower medicines wherwith he did all his cures: a great ingredient wasRadix Serpentaria.—From Mr. Mich. Weekes, who looked to his stills.
He intended to have left his library and papers to the Royall Societie, had he made his will, and had not dyed so suddainly[996]. So that his bookes (a good collection) are fallen into the hands of[997]a sister's son, a scholar in Caius Coll. Camb. But his papers are in the hands ofSir John Bankes, Reg. Soc. Socius. There were his lectures at Chirurgions' hall; and two manuscripts in 4to, thicke volumnes, readie for the presse, one was a kind of Pharmacopœaia (his nephew has this). 'Tis possible his rare universall medicines aforesayd might be retrived amongst his papers. My Lord Brounker has the recipe but will not impart it.
He was fellowe of the Royall Societie, and a zealous member for the improvement of naturall knowledge amongst them. They made him their drudge, for when any curious experiment was to be donne they would lay[998]the taske on him.
He loved wine and was most curious in his wines, was hospitable, but dranke not to excesse, but it happened that comeing from his club at the Crowne taverne in Bloomesbery, a foote, 11 at night, he fell downe dead of an apoplexie in Cheapside, at Wood-street end, March 24, Anno Domini 1674/5, aetat. 56. Sepult. in the church of Great St. Helen, Londini.