William Cockburn MD

1668-1739

BiographyWilliam Cockburn was a Scottish physician who was appointed physician to the Blue squadron of the fleet in around 1694. While serving with the fleet Cockburn developed a "secret" remedy for dysentery. He trialled his invention on 70 crew on board HMS SANDWICH, which showed positive results. The Admiralty initially purchased a quantity of Cockburn's remedy for use with the Mediterranean squadron and he went on to supply the fleet for 40 years, becoming a wealthy man along the way.

While Cockburn became known for his treatment of dysentery, it was his role as the writer Jonathan Swift's doctor that also brought him acclaim.
Cockburn died in November 1739, aged 70, and was buried in the middle aisle of Westminster Abbey.

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