William Butler was born at Ipswich in the year 1533. He was of Clare Hall, of which College he became a Fellow. He commenced practice as a physician in Cambridge, and was commonly known by the title of Doctor Butler, although he never proceeded to the degree of M. D. Before his time the practice of medical science in England was in a very rude and imperfect state; he, however, seems to have effected great improvements in it, and was reputed one of the first physicians of the age.

He is said to have been the first Englishman who brought in the use of Galenical and Chemical physic, to the great benefit of his patients. His sagacity was remarkable in discovering the existence of those symptoms of approaching death which are developed in the countenance, and are known to physicians by the term facies Hippocratica. It was this quickness that enabled him when called in to attend Prince Henry, son of James I. to perceive at the first glance the hopelessness of the case; and under this impression he got out of the way that he might not have to prescribe for him.

As a proof of his great reputation in practice, may be mentioned what is related of Sir Thomas Bodley, when “he was come to his last cast,” that “having run over all the best Physitians of London he was still disheartened at not being able to get Butler of Cambridge to come to him, not so much as to speak with him; for he says, words cannot cure him and he can do nothing else to him.