Frederic Hervey Foster Quin First English homeopath Date of Birth: 12.02.1799 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Frederic Hervey Foster Quin
2. Time in Rome and St. Helena
3. Practice in Naples and Introduction to Homeopathy
4. Practice in Paris and Moravia
5. Advocacy of Homeopathy in London
6. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Frederic Hervey Foster Quin

Frederic Hervey Foster Quin was born in 1799 in London. He spent his early years at a school in Putney. In 1817, Quin went to study at the University of Edinburgh, from which he graduated with a master's degree in 1820.

Time in Rome and St. Helena

In December 1820, Quin arrived in Rome to be with the writer Elizabeth Cavendish. He stayed in Rome until 1824, remaining with Elizabeth until her death. Upon returning to London, he was appointed as Napoleon I's physician on the island of St. Helena. However, the emperor passed away before Quin could leave England.

Practice in Naples and Introduction to Homeopathy

In July 1821, Quin established his own practice in Naples, where he gained popularity among the English community. He met Dr. Neckar, a disciple of Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, and was intrigued by this new medical system. After visiting Leipzig in 1826, Quin returned to Naples with hopes of transforming medicine.

Practice in Paris and Moravia

From May 1829 to September 1831, Quin practiced medicine in Paris, partially based on Hahnemann's principles. In September 1831, he started working in Moravia, where a cholera epidemic was raging. Quin himself was infected but soon recovered and continued working until the epidemic subsided. His treatment involved the use of camphor in the early stages of the disease and ipecacuanha and arsenic at later stages.

Advocacy of Homeopathy in London

In July 1832, Quin settled in London and actively promoted and popularized homeopathic treatment in England. Medical journals initially criticized him as a charlatan, but Quin managed to attract many patients and fellow physicians due to his personal charm and medical expertise. However, professional opposition persisted, making Quin's life difficult.

Later Years and Legacy

From June 1845, Quin served as the Duchess of Cambridge's medical attendant. In 1844, he founded the British Homeopathic Society and played a crucial role in establishing the London Homeopathic Hospital in 1850. Quin also held a teaching position at the Medical School of the Hospital, where he lectured on therapy and medicinal substances. He was highly regarded in London society, being a sought-after guest in aristocratic, literary, artistic, and theatrical circles.

Among Quin's friends were notable figures such as Charles Dickens, William Thackeray, and Charles Mathews. His manners, attire, and love for horses were said to resemble those of Count D'Orsay. Frederic Hervey Foster Quin passed away on November 24, 1878, in Westminster and was buried at Kensal Green Cemetery.