Meyer Löw Schomberg

Meyer Löw Schomberg, rarely also Schamberg or the Chambers ( * 1690 in Vetzburg, Württemberg, † March 4, 1761 in Hoxton, London), was a German - Jewish physician.

Life

Meyer Löw was born in 1690 in Vetzburg or Fetzburg in the Duchy of Württemberg, where his father practiced medicine. He wrote on December 13, 1706 the University of Giessen and studied classical philology under Professor Eberwein and later medicine. After he had received his permission ad practicandum, he practiced first in pig mountain, then in Blankenstein. In 1710 he asked the university to grant him a mandate to review the practices of a break - handler, who had come to him in his district in the way. The university said to her support, suggested Schomberg before but to obtain an academic degree, which he also did this year of 21 December under the date. Even his brothers Salomon, Hertz and Gerson Loew doctorate at the Faculty of Medicine in Giessen.

After he had practiced for some time in Metz, Schomberg went in 1720 with his family to England and was registered with the date of 19 March 1722 " a Jew from Fetzburg, a German " in the register of members of the Royal College of Physicians in London. His financial situation was so bad that he could not even pay the £ 20 registration fee; Instead, a promissory note was accepted that exists today. On January 12, 1726 Schomberg was accepted as a member of the Royal Society in 1730 and joined a Masonic lodge at.

Schomberg practiced some time for 30 pounds a year as a doctor of the poor of the Great Synagogue of London and so came into contact with the Jewish upper class of London. He also invited once a week young surgeons to dinner at his house in Fenchurch Street. In this way he was able to work up to one of the leading physicians of London. His income in 1740 to have amounted after Sir William Browne 4000 Guineas.

Meyer Schomberg died on March 4, 1761 at his home in Fenchurch Street, and was buried in the cemetery of Hackney. He left his property in equal shares to his two sons Isaac and Alexander; Ralph, Solomon and Henry each received a shilling.

A portrait of Schombergs T. Hudson is privately owned.

Progeny

Meyer Schomberg had at least seven, z.T. Born in Germany nor sons, whom he suggesting the conversion to Christianity circa 1742, to improve their career prospects. The twins Isaac (1714-1780) and Raphael (later Ralph, 1714-1792 ) and Joel were also doctors. Moses (1720-1779), Salomon (1724-1774) and Ralph were notaries. Henry was in 1755 the first Jewish officer in the army, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. Alexander (1720-1804) joined the Navy, and was beaten captain later knighted. A daughter, Rebecca (1719-1742), died young.

Writings

• Emunat omen. In: Transactions of the Jewish Historical Society of England, 20 ( 1959-61 ), 101-11, Hebrew text with an English translation by H. Levy ( written by Schomberg, but not published )