Artwork Information

As a physician Samuel Simmons made a close study of mental diseases. His reputation as an authority in cases of insanity led to George III being entrusted to his care in 1803. Although he announced a cure within six months, the king was later declared permanently insane. Simmons gave evidence before the House of Lords on the probability of the king's recovery. At the time porphyria, a hereditary disease of body metabolism, had not been identified.