Dr. John Fothergill was the guiding influence on William Bartram's travels. Not only did he provide much needed financing but also the direction for Bartram's collection of specimens to be shipped to London. In addition, he became an early recipient of Bartram's drawings/paintings and it is due to his efforts that much of what William Bartram observed is now a part of our recorded history.
Dr. Fothergill was well know for his generous support of those in need. The following story from Dr. John C. Gunn's book, "Gunn's Domestic Medicine" illustrates his compassion.
"Dr. Fothergill once heard of the death of a citizen of London, who had left his family in indigent circumstances: - the doctor immediately called on the widow, and informed her he had received thirty guineas from her husband while he was in prosperous circumstances, for as many visits; I have heard of his reverse fortunes - take this purse. - which contains all I received from him, it will do the family more good than me". Similar occurences of the liberality of this great and good man, might be given almost without end. Indeed it is said that he gave away one-half of the income of his extensive and profitable business to the needy and afflicted ---"
I thank the University of South Dakota for providing Dr. Gunn's book, which is in their rare book collection, for my study and enjoyment. The book, the 4th edition, was published in Springfield, Ohio in 1835 and contains many insights into the practice of medicine at that time. It is unfortunate that current students of human health don't spend more time studying the history of their art.
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