Bard, Samuel (1742-1821)

Physician.

Captured by a French privateer and imprisoned for five months (1760); Franklin, a friend of Bard’s father, helped secure his release. Studied medicine at London and Edinburgh (M.D. 1765). Practiced in New York City, specializing in internal medicine and obstetrics. Professor of theory and practice of physic at King’s College medical faculty. Mild Loyalist; did not serve in Revolutionary War. Helped found New York Hospital (1791), New York City Library, and New York Dispensary. Published works on diphtheria, midwifery, and sheep breeding.

Son of Dr. John Bard of Philadelphia (later New York). Educated at King’s College (Columbia) (B.A. 1760). Married his cousin Mary Bard (1770); ten children.