Thomas Howel was a doctor for the East India Company who travelled from India to western Turkey around Constantinople and Gallipoli. There is no entry for him within the Dictionary of National Biography, so I was forced to make some generalizations in regards to his life. In the beginning of the journal, Howel writes his name followed by M.D. and there are instances where he also refers to the fact that he is a doctor. As an English doctor in the 1700’s we can assume that he practiced western medicine, which he most likely learned while going to school for medicine in England. Evidence of Howel practicing western medicine is found in his engagement in bloodletting. This comes as little surprise because it was common practice during this time. While under the employment of the East India Company, Howel worked in India, most specifically in Madras. Since there is a lack of writing on the life of Dr. Howel, I will take liberties in describing his personality. During his travels, a man in his company by the name of Mr. Morris becomes ill. As a doctor, Howel is best suited to administer medicine to him, which he does. For the majority of the journey it seems like Morris is sick. Furthermore, Howel never abandons his companion which is evidence of his compassion for his friends and the sick. At one point in their travels, a Tartar guide wants to move on to the next town, but Howel does not want to make his departure yet because of Morris’ relapse. Howel decides to stay with Morris and continue to take care of him instead of continuing his journey. This delays his progress a few days but by the end of their stay in the town, Morris has made a slight recovery. He has recovered enough to continue the journey and ride his horse once again, thanks to the kindness of Doctor Howel. Other than what is described in the journal, we know very little about Doctor Thomas Howel in the way of his age, family life, and what happens to him after his return to England at the end of his Journey. (Biography written by Kevin Hesson, December 2013).

Thomas Howel’s book, A Journal of the Passage from India: By a Route Partly Unfrequented, Through Armenia and Natolia, Or Asia Minor, is available online through Google books. Click here to read.

Access Howel’s itinerary here.

To read more about Thomas Howel, please read Kevin Hesson’s essay, which can be found here.