Richard Blackmore, English physician and poet (d. 1729)

Sir Richard Blackmore: A Polymath of the Augustan Age

Sir Richard Blackmore (22 January 1654 – 9 October 1729) stands as a fascinating, multifaceted figure from England's late 17th and early 18th centuries. While often relegated to the footnotes of literary history as a target of scathing satire and a prolific, if sometimes uninspired, epic poet, his professional life extended far beyond the realm of verse. Blackmore was, in fact, a highly respected and influential medical doctor and a thoughtful theologian, embodying the polymathic spirit prevalent during the Augustan Age.

The Esteemed Physician and Royal Appointment

Before achieving dubious fame in literary circles, Richard Blackmore established a distinguished career in medicine. Educated at Westminster School and then St Edmund Hall, Oxford, where he received his M.A. in 1676, he pursued further medical studies abroad, likely at Padua, a renowned center for medical learning. By 1687, he was admitted a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, a testament to his expertise and standing within the medical community.

His medical career reached its zenith with significant royal appointments. Sir Richard Blackmore served as Physician-in-Ordinary to both King William III and Queen Anne, a prestigious role that underscored his professional competence and the trust placed in him by the highest authorities. He was knighted by King William III in 1697, recognizing his dedicated service and contributions to public health. Blackmore also authored several medical treatises, including works on the plague, smallpox, and gout, demonstrating his commitment to advancing medical knowledge and practice during a critical period for public health.

The Prolific, Yet Controversial, Epic Poet

Paradoxically, it was Blackmore's ambitious forays into poetry that cemented his more infamous legacy. Driven by a desire to compose grand, moralistic epic poems in the classical tradition, he produced voluminous works such as *Prince Arthur* (1695), *King Arthur* (1697), *Paraphrase on the Book of Job* (1700), and *Eliza* (1705). These lengthy narratives, characterized by their didactic tone and adherence to a rigid poetic structure, were largely met with critical derision rather than acclaim.

Blackmore's perceived poetic deficiencies made him a prime target for the era's most formidable satirists. John Dryden famously ridiculed him in his prefaces and epilogues, notably in his "Preface to Fables Ancient and Modern," where he quipped about Blackmore's "unceasing chime." Alexander Pope, in his iconic satirical poem *The Dunciad* (1728), immortalized Blackmore as a symbol of dullness and poetic mediocrity, cementing his image as the archetypal hack writer. This literary sparring highlighted the sharp divisions and intense rivalries within the literary landscape of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Beyond the Satire: The Thoughtful Theologian

While his epic poems often faced scorn, Sir Richard Blackmore’s theological works revealed a more respected facet of his intellectual life. His most notable theological contribution was *Creation: A Philosophical Poem* (1712). Unlike his narrative epics, *Creation* received considerable praise, including from more discerning critics like Joseph Addison. This work articulated a clear argument for the existence of God based on natural phenomena and scientific observation, placing it firmly within the tradition of natural theology. The poem’s articulate reasoning and less ornate style contrasted sharply with the reception of his earlier poetic endeavors, showcasing his capacity for serious philosophical discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sir Richard Blackmore

Who was Sir Richard Blackmore?

Sir Richard Blackmore (1654–1729) was a prominent English polymath during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, known primarily as a respected physician to the Crown, a theologian, and a prolific, though often satirized, epic poet.

Why was Sir Richard Blackmore remembered primarily as an object of satire?

He was frequently satirized by leading literary figures like John Dryden and Alexander Pope because of his lengthy, moralistic, and often critically perceived as dull, epic poems. His ambition to be a great poet often overshadowed his actual poetic reception, making him an easy target for their witty critiques of literary mediocrity and prolixity.

What were Sir Richard Blackmore's key achievements as a medical doctor?

As a physician, Blackmore was a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and served as Physician-in-Ordinary to King William III and Queen Anne. He was knighted for his service and published several important medical treatises, contributing to the understanding of diseases like plague and smallpox.

Did Sir Richard Blackmore write anything other than epic poems?

Yes, in addition to his medical writings, he authored significant theological works. His most well-regarded theological piece is *Creation: A Philosophical Poem* (1712), which was praised for its arguments in natural theology, exploring the existence of God through the observation of the natural world.