Note 65 — PROLOGUE TO THE PILGRIM.
Reading edition
Blackmore was a commoner of Edmund Hall, Oxford, where he remained thirteen years, and took the degree of Master of Arts on 3d June, 1676; but he did not take his medical degrees there, and appears not to have studied physic regularly, as he was for some time a school-master; when, according to Col. Coddrington,
By nature formed, by want a pedant made, Blackmore at first set up the whipping trade; Next quack commenced, when fierce with pride he swore, That toothache, gout, and corns, should be no more: In vain his drugs, as well as birch he plied, His boys grow blockheads, and his patients died.
Sir Richard Blackmore had his medical diploma from Padua, in Italy; a learned and eminent University, which, like some in my own country, is supposed not to be over scrupulous in conferring honours of this nature.