William Heberden (elder) (1710-1801).

W Heberden w a s a n o t h e r i l l u s t r i o u s B r i t i s h Phys ic ian . The h igh regard with which he was held is best reflected in Dr. Samuel Johnson d e s c r i b i n g h i m a s “Ultimus Romanorum’ (the last of the learned physicians).1 Heberden is considered the founder of rheumatology.1 Heberden was the son of an innkeeper. He attended a school t h a t p r o v i d e d f r e e education. Impressed by his br i l l iance the s c h o o l h e a d m a s t e r impressed upon his mother to send him to Cambridge. Heberden was then 14 years old. He joined St. John College, passed BA in 1728, became a fellow of the college in 1731, and passed MD in 1739 at the age of 29 years. He became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1746. Heberden had the honour of delivering the prestigious Goulsotonian lecture and the Harvenian oration in the years 1749 and 1750 respectively – a recognition of his talent and genius.1 He was appointed personal physician to the queen by King George III in the year 1761.3