Knowledge of numerous languages; he also studied mathematics, natural philosophy, botany and entomology. He applied himself to medicine. F. R. S. 1794, aged 21 yr. Studied medicine in Edinbugh and in Gt̲tingen and graduated M. D. Gt̲tingen 1796. He then went to Emanuel College, Cambridge. In 1801 he was Professor of Natural Philsophy at the Royal Institution and delivered many lectures. In 1804 he was Foreign Secretary to the Royal Society. M. B. Cambridge 1803. M. D. 1808. F. C. P. 1809. Physician to St. George's Hospital but had few pupils. In 1818 he was appointed Secretary to the Board of Longitude charged with the supervision of the nautical almanack.