John Armstrong (poet)

John Armstrong (poet)

John Armstrong (1709–1779) was a Scottish physician and poet. He is best known for his satirical poem, The Art of Preserving Health, which was first published in 1744.

Early Life

Armstrong was born in Liddesdale, Roxburghshire, Scotland. He was the son of a clergyman and was educated at the University of Edinburgh, where he studied medicine.

Career

After completing his studies, Armstrong moved to London in 1735, where he began practicing medicine. He also started writing poetry, and his first published work, An Essay for Abridging the Study of Physic, was released in 1735.

In 1744, Armstrong published his most famous work, The Art of Preserving Health. This satirical poem is a unique blend of medical advice and poetic verse, and it quickly gained popularity.

Later Life and Death

Armstrong continued to practice medicine and write poetry until his death in 1779. His contributions to both fields have left a lasting legacy.

Legacy

Armstrong's work, particularly The Art of Preserving Health, has had a significant impact on the fields of medicine and literature. His unique blend of medical advice and poetic verse has been praised for its originality and wit.

See Also

• Scottish literature
• 18th-century British literature
• History of medicine

References

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  Portrait of Dr. John Armstrong by Sir Joshua Reynolds