Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Helsham, Richard
HELSHAM, RICHARD, M.D. (1682?–1738), friend of Swift, was born probably in 1682 at Leggatsrath, co. Kilkenny. He was educated at Kilkenny College, entered Trinity College, Dublin, 18 July 1697, obtained a scholarship in 1700, graduated B.A. in 1702, was elected fellow in 1704, and was co-opted a senior fellow in 1714. He was lecturer in mathematics 1723–30, and was the first to hold the professorship of natural philosophy on the foundation of Erasmus Smith, 1724–38. Helsham was also regius professor of physic in the university of Dublin, 1733–8. He practised with high repute as a physician. Swift mentions him, in a letter to Alderman Barber, as ‘the most eminent physician in this city and kingdom,’ and in another letter as ‘his friend Dr. Helsham.’ He formed one of that brilliant literary coterie resident in Dublin at the period. He died on 25 Aug. 1738, and was interred in the churchyard of St. Mary's, Dublin. His will, a holograph, with one codicil, solemnly charges his executors that ‘before his coffin should be nailed up his head was to be severed from his body.’ Helsham's ‘Lectures on Natural Philosophy,’ edited by Bryan Robinson, were published in 1739, and a second edition appeared in 1743.
[Matriculation Book, Trin. Coll. Dublin; Dublin Coll. Cal.; Swift's works; Pue's Occurrences, 26 Aug. 1738, Dublin; original will in Public Record Office, Dublin; Cat. Libr., Trin. Coll., Dublin.]