William Munk

William Munk, FRCP (September 1816 – 20 December 1898) was an English physician, now remembered for his work as a medical historian and "Munk's Roll", a biographical reference work on the Royal College of Physicians.

Life The eldest son of William Munk, an ironmonger, and his wife Jane Kenward, he was born on 24 September 1816 at Battle, Sussex, and after education at University College London, graduated M.D. at the Leiden University in 1837. He began practice in London in September 1837, and in 1844 he became a licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians, and in 1854 a fellow. In 1857 he was elected the Harveian Librarian of the college, and held office till his death. It is now commonly known as the Munk's Roll.

In 1884 he edited 'The Gold-headed Cane' of Dr. William MacMichael, in 1887 published 'Euthanasia, or Medical Treatment in aid of an Easy Natural Death,' and in 1895 'The Life of Sir Henry Halford, Bart., M.D.' The College of Physicians voted him one hundred guineas in consideration of this work. He also published some 'Notæ Harveianæ' in the 'St. Bartholomew's Hospital Reports' (vol. xxii.); and in 1885 'Marvodia,' a genealogical account of the Marwoods, a Devonshire family; and wrote several essays on medical subjects in The Lancet.

Family He married, 30 April 1849, Emma, eighteenth child of John Luke of Exeter, and left two sons and three daughters.