Physician and writer.

Graduated Ph.D. and M.D. at Leyden (1740). Went to London in 1741 and set up a medical practice.

Published the Journal Britannique, a literary journal that gave an account in French of the chief productions of the English press (1750-55). The journal had a considerable circulation throughout Europe, and brought him into contact with a wide circle of friends.

Elected Fellow of the Royal Society (1751). Elected foreign secretary (1762) and secretary (1765) of the Royal Society. Admitted a licentiate of the College of Physicians (1765). Named principal librarian of the British Museum (1772).

Born at Montfort, near Utrecht.