William Chamberlaine (1747-1822) and his Fothergillian Medal

The Fothergillian Medal is awarded by the Medical Society of London for medical distinction. It was first presented in 1787 and, apart from a short interval 1803-1824, it has continued to be awarded until the present day. Of the original seven gold medals cast, only two are preserved. However, the Brettauer Collection in Vienna contains an unusual (third) Fothergillian Medal cast not in gold but in gilded silver, which is dedicated to William Chamberlaine. A search of the archives of the Medical Society of London has revealed the identity of William Chamberlaine who was Honorary Secretary of the Medical Society of London for eight years, and was awarded this special Fothergillian Medal in recognition of his services.