Robert Hooper (1773–1835) studied medicine at London, Oxford and St Andrews universities, and became a successful teacher of the practice of medicine. He settled in London, and for many years taught a large class. He was also interested in pathological anatomy, and accumulated a large and very valuable collection of morbid specimens. Hooper was a man of immense industry, a sound practical physician, and a good writer, and was well respected by his contemporaries. Two of his writings, the 'Physician's Vade Mecum' and his 'Compendious Medical Dictionary' (1798) are still popular today. Hooper also worked as physician at the Marylebone Infirmary, and had a very long and lucrative career there. The portrait was painted in 1813 by Philip Reinagle, an English animal, landscape and botanical painter.