Yonge, James, 1647-1721

James Yonge (1647-1721), surgeon and medical writer, was born at Plymouth on 27 February 1647. After attending the local grammar school, he was apprenticed as a surgeon in the navy in 1658. He was present at the bombardment of Algiers in 1662, and was held as a prisoner of war by the Dutch at Amsterdam, 1665-1666. Following his release, Yonge developed a successful practice in Plymouth before becoming surgeon to the city's naval hospital and, in 1674, deputy surgeon-general to the navy. He died on 25 July 1721.

From the guide to the James Yonge: Sidrophel the quack astrologer exposed, 1692, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)