Sampson Perry
Sampson Perry was an English physician and writer born in Aston, England, in 1747. He gained prominence as a surgeon in London during the 1760s while also pursuing a career as an author, producing works focused on medicine and diseases, such as his first book published in 1780, "A Disquisition of the Stone and Gravel." Perry's military career began when he joined the Easy Middlesex Militia, eventually rising to the rank of captain by 1780, during which he participated in the American Revolution amidst fears of invasion. Transitioning into journalism, he founded the "Argus," a newspaper known for its critical stance on political figures, which led to multiple convictions for libel and complications with the law, including a notable escape from a death sentence in France after being wrongfully accused of espionage. Following his return to England in 1794, he faced a seven-year prison sentence but continued to write prolifically, producing works on the French Revolution and advocacy pamphlets during his incarceration. After his release in 1801, Perry contributed to various publications and briefly owned a magazine called the "Statesman." He passed away in London in July 1823, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with his medical, military, and literary pursuits.
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Sampson Perry
Surgeon
- Born: 1747
- Birthplace: Aston, England
- Died: July 1, 1823
- Place of death: London, England
Biography
Sampson Perry was born on Aston, England, in 1747. He studied medicine, and by the 1760’s he was working as a surgeon in London. It was while he was practicing medicine that Perry began his career as a writer, initially writing about medicine and diseases. Perry’s first book, A Disquisition of the Stone and Gravel, was published in 1780. He also published Dissertation on the Lues Venera, Gonorrhoea, and Tabes Dorsalis in 1790.
In the mid 1760’s, Perry joined the Easy Middlesex Militia. By 1780 he had been promoted to the rank of captain. Perry and his troops were called to action during the American Revolution when rumors of possible invasions of Britain were announced.
In 1789 Perry decided to try his hand at journalism. He created the Argus, a newspaper which openly criticized political figures and the government. Due to his publication, Perry found himself charged and convicted with libeling the government on several occasions. In one instance, Perry fled to France instead of facing a six-month prison sentence.
While in France, Perry met Thomas Paine, one of the most ardent supporters of the American Revolution. Perry’s stay in France was anything but enjoyable. He was arrested because the officials suspected him of being a spy. He was sentenced to death but managed to escape his cruel fate by a freak occurrence. On the day he was to be killed, the mark indicating he was scheduled to be executed was accidentally placed on the wrong side of his cell door. Shortly afterwards Perry and his fellow prisoners were all released.
In 1794 Perry returned to England, where he was turned in for a reward and sentenced to prison for seven years. While in prison Perry wrote An Historical Sketch of The French Revolution and a pamphlet titled Oppression!!! The Appeal of Captain Perry. . . to the People of England. He also revived the Argus. Perry was released from prison in 1801. After that time, he began writing for a number of different newspapers and magazines. He also purchased a magazine called the Statesman which he owned for three years before selling it. Perry died in London in July, 1823.