Scottish-born Sir John Forbes (1787–1861) started his medical career as an assistant surgeon in the Navy. After returning from the West Indies he entered general practice at Penzance, and later at Chichester. He was a popular physician, largely responsible for the foundation of the local infirmary, but his fame spread through his written works. In 1821 he translated Laennec's 'Treatise on the Diseases of the Chest', and he helped establish auscultation (listening to the internal sounds of the body, usually using a stethoscope) in England. In 1840 Forbes moved to London and became physician to the queen’s household. His position as editor of the 'British and Foreign Medical Review' earned him a high reputation. He was awarded an honorary degree from Oxford University for his services to the British Medical Association, and in 1853 he was knighted.