Abstract

Religio Medici, the timeless book of contemplation by Sir Thomas Browne, is presented here unaltered and complete. Written by Browne during the 1640s as a means of profiling his own psyche while composing a personal spiritual testament to the divine, Religio Medici, or Religion of a Doctor, was received with great acclaim both in England and in continental Europe at the time of its publication. The text is principally structured around three key virtues: the first part is occupied with the attributes of Faith and Hope; while the second part is concerned with Charity. Throughout, Browne maintains his own recognisable style and tone, writing with frankness, clarity and conviction in a manner befitting an avowed Christian. For its profundity and explanatory wisdom, scholars of the 17th century offered Religio Medici much praise, and Browne became famous. The book also enjoyed a revival during the 19th century, wherein the characterful idiosyncrasies of Browne were appreciated by the artists and intellectuals of that era. Today, the text remains a favourite of Christians and scholars for its accessibility and merits of tone.