Archibald Billing
one of the most distinguished and accomplished physicians of this century, loved and respected by all who knew him, has at length, full of years and honours, passed away from us at the patriarchal age of 90, at his house in Park Lane.
Dr Billing was a native of Ireland. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and graduated at Oxford. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London in 1819 ; and at the time of his death he was the oldest Fellow on the roll. He was the founder of clinical lectures, and the author of First Principles of Medicine, a profound and original work of great value when it was written, the absorbing study of the details of morbid anatomy having at that time withdrawn the attention of pathologists from the recognition of general truths. Those who were acquainted with him in private life can bear testimony to his kindness of heart and gentleness of demeanour. As a consultant he was most honourable, and never aimed at raising his own reputation at the expense of a brother practitioner.
Dr Billing was tall and thin^, with a very pale face ; nevertheless, he had a remarkably vigorous constitution, and until towards the close of his career made all his professional visits on horseback, and might often be seen, after a hard day’s work, cantering along Rotten Row, accompanied by his daughters.
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