Robert James was a doctor awarded the MD degree by Royal Mandate in 1728. This degree was awarded due to this patenting and popularization of Dr. James Fever Powder, a recipe containing antimony and phosphate of lime. This recipes was promoted for use primarily as source for the cure for “Fevers”, condition which at that time was often more than just a simple raise in body temperature due to a common infectious disease.
Osborn refers to James at the beginning of his vade mecum, suggesting fever was a very important malady to him based on his clinical experience. It is possible that Robert James had other publications that he produced that could be influential upon Osborn as well, although to date these have not been identified or uncovered.
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I am deeply appreciative of the contributions to this biography provided to me around 1990 by medical history colleague Margaret DeLacy of Portland, Oregon.
Brian Altonen, MPH, MS 
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