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I had a long weekend in Toronto this week so left home on Friday and got back on the Monday and confess I didn't even open my computer all that time. I was actually attending the annual investiture of the St James Priory of the Knights Templar. It is the one event all Knights and Dames have to attend each year unless you get special permission to not attend.
My friend Nola Crewe received promotion to Grand Croix which is a very significant position in the order meaning she can now induct postulants into the order. The event was at St. James Cathedral in Toronto and the banquet was held at the Royal Canadian Military Institute. I will say I was disappointed with the banquet as usually they serve up excellent faire along with wee snacks handed out as you meet for a drink or two prior to the meal. However no snacks were handed out and the meal at best was ok but am sure all of us could have cooked up better at home.
This was the first time I'd visited the RCMI since it opened up again. The original building had been sold and they now have the first four floors of the new building which was built on the site. I can't say I was overly impressed with it. Apart from that I enjoyed the investiture and talking to the various Knights and Dames.
Due to me placing an article in the Canadian Templar in the September issue which was somewhat critical of a person who is trying to tell new story of the US Great Seals and Symbolism I was attacked by that person in the media. He reported that he had tried to find out about me and contacted a friend in the Knights Templars in Canada (not our order which is OSMTH) and it was reported back that I was a "religious nutter". I did email him to ask why he was commenting on me and offered links to my mini bio and a link to other issues of the Canadian Templar. I also offered him the opportunity to tell his side of the story. All I got back was a brief message saying he was sorry. I also emailed the Knights Templar order in Canada and from them I've heard nothing back.
All of that said it was good to learn that many people had read the article and a lot more than normally read the Canadian Templar. So a bit of controversy is obviously good to build readership numbers <grin>
Bronze age sauna unearthed on Orkney
The find was among the remains of more than 30 buildings dating from around 4000-1000BC. Read more about this at:http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/he...kney-1-3902053
Boatbuilding thrives in Plockton
West Highland College UHI have teamed up with Plockton High School to support delivery of the Am Bata boatbuilding project.
Read about this at http://www.whfp.com/2015/09/10/boatb...s-in-plockton/
The Battle of Loos: How Dundee marks its black day
Practically all the officers and a great number of the men of the 4th Black Watch, Dundee's own, were either killed, wounded or prisoners.
Read about this at: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-34289582
Electric Canadian
The War Story of the Canadian Red Cross Overseas
By Mary MacLeod Moore (pdf)
You can download this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...fsredcross.pdf
Maple-Leaf Men
And other War Gleanings by Rose E. Sharland (pdf)
You can download this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...pleleafmen.pdf
Electric Scotland
Clan Wallace Society - Worldwide
Got in their Autumn 2015 newsletter which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...lace/index.htm
Four Perthshire Families
Roger, Playfair, Constable and Haldane of Barmony. Added a link to this book at the foot of our Perthshire page at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/perth/
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in section 1 of the October 2015 edition which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft/index.htm
Vindication of the Clanronald of Glengarry
Added a link to this book from our Clan MacDonald page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macdona.html
Colt and Coutts
Genealogical memoirs of the families. You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/atoc/colt.html
History of the Chapel Royal of Scotland
Added this book to our Stirling Council page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/council/stirling.htm
Illustrated Book of Scottish Songs
Edited by Charles MacKay, New Edition revised by Charles Rogers (1866). Added this book to our Rogers page at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...rs_charles.htm
A History of the Scottish Women's Hospitals
Edited by Eva Shaw McLaren to which I also added a biography of Elsie Maud Inglis.
The Scottish Women's Hospitals (SWH), a unique health institution in the history of medicine, staffed entirely by women, was founded soon after the outbreak of the First World War, August 12, 1914 in Edinburgh, by the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies. The founder and the main driving force behind this organisation was Dr. Elsie Inglis (1864-1917). Although her proposition to the British War Office had been rejected, she offered her services to the Allies (France, Belgium, Russia and Serbia). The first 200 bed SWH unit was sent to France in November 1914, and soon after followed other units, so at the end there were 13 very well equipped SWH units working in the various theatres of war in Belgium, Serbia, Russia, Rumania and Greece. The first unit of SWH came to Serbia in early January 1915, and was located at Kragujevac. Soon after, three other SWH units arrived to Serbia and were stationed at Mladenovac, Valjevo and Lazarevac. It was an enormous help to Serbia, full of wounded and sick people, due to the dreadful typhus epidemic which was devastating the country. A large SWH unit, attached to the Southern Slav Volunteer Division, had worked on the Dobrudja front, and there were three hospitals and a special transport unit on the Salonika Front, which were all engaged in the treatment of Serbian wounded soldiers until the end of the First World War. Two other SWH units, located in France, were treating the Serbian refugees. Serving bravely and honorably on the various theatres of war, the legendary Scottish Women's Hospitals made enormous contributions to the allied war efforts, and helped Serbian people a great deal.
You can read this book and the other one at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/women/wh53.htm
Tyrie Family
Added this family to our Other Families index page and you can view this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...toz/tyrie.html
History of Scottish Medicine
By John D. Comrie (1932) in 2 volumes. Added this publication to our Scottish Medicine page.
FOREWORD To Second Edition
THERE is probably no specialised branch of study which embraces the whole history of mankind to such a comprehensive degree as that of medicine and the allied sciences. Within this field of investigation come all the vicissitudes of human existence and endeavour.
ft is by the historical methods of approach in medical research that we are enabled to understand and reveal the philosophies and practices of ancient peoples. By thus expounding the achievements, the failures and the evolution of human effort, inspiration is aroused, leading to discovery and invention.
In the middle of the seventeenth century the great historian, Bishop Fuller, demonstrating a true conception of the value of historical research, remarked that it “maketh a young man to be old without wrinkles or grey hairs: privileging him with the experience of age without either the infirmities or inconveniences thereof. ... It not only maketh things past present, but enableth one to make a rational conjecture of things to come.”
As we delve into the history of mankind we find the foundations of medicine are submerged in the realms of magic and priestcraft with their profusion of charms, amulets and talismans, mysterious ceremonies and superstitious practices. From these primitive origins of the art of healing, and from the long intervening centuries of religio-medical beliefs, modern medical science has been slowly evolved.
Although we realise that many of the medical and scientific opinions of to-day may in the next century be discredited, yet it is the discerning student of history who discovers the fact that from the errors of the past many new truths of modern science are to be disclosed.
It is of paramount importance, therefore, that from every practical standpoint, the student of to-day should understand and appreciate the incalculable value of the history of medical science. Not only does it enable research workers and students to gain a clear and comprehensive view of the progressive stages by which the present condition of knowledge has been reached, but it also offers an unfailing source of inspiration for future discovery.
From the close of the seventeenth century Edinburgh has occupied a position pre-eminent in the academic world of medicine and surgery, a distinction which is due largely to the zealous enthusiasm and inspiration of the celebrated Dr. Archibald Pitcairne (1652-1713) and his contemporaries. Pitcairne, like Borelli in Italy, became one of the founders of the Iatro-mechanical or Iatro-mathematical school of thought. The system developed from Harvey’s demonstration of the circulation of the blood, and its adherents attempted to prove that all the bodily functions were mere mechanical activities. Although this idea did not prevail for long, it formed, for the century after Harvey, an experimental working hypothesis, the principal result of which was undoubtedly to develop an exceptionally keen interest in the study of anatomy and physiology.
Thus at the commencement of the eighteenth century the brilliant anatomical work of Pitcairne and other Edinburgh surgeons resulted in the appointment of Robert Eliot as first professor of anatomy (1705) in Britain.
To Pitcairne more than anyone else may justly be assigned the credit not only of originating the Edinburgh Medical School, but of doing much to establish the world-wide reputation it gained, which even in those days was due largely to its acceptance of the Paduan tradition which Pitcairne so strenuously upheld.
Again, in the nineteenth century, as a pioneer in the teaching of the history of medicine, we find Edinburgh leading the way. Even as early as 1857 such importance was attached to the subject in Edinburgh that the distinguished Dr. James Warburton Begbie (1826-1876) inaugurated a series of lectures on the history of medicine in the extra-academical school. After a number of years they ceased through Begbie having relinquished the post on account of the great demand for his professional services as a consultant.
Notwithstanding this lead, however, less than 30 years ago not one university in the British Empire was providing regular academic instruction in the history of medicine.
It was in 1907 that the authorities of the University of Edinburgh, demonstrating once again their characteristic forethought and powers of discernment in educational matters, forestalled other British Universities by founding a lectureship in the history of medicine. Thus they led the way in the establishment of regular university teaching upon a subject which, formerly considered of extraneous interest, now seems destined to become an integral part of medical education.
It was with special gratification, therefore, that I learned of the establishment of the lectureship on the history of medicine, and of the appointment of Dr. J. D. Comrie as Lecturer in the University of Edinburgh.
The acceptance of such an appointment was an undertaking of no mean responsibility. The fact that during the 19 academic years which have ensued, from 1908-9 to 1931,1 attendances at these lectures have consistently maintained an average of close on 100 students, bears witness both to the perspicacity of the University authorities, and to the unfailing enthusiasm and ability of Dr. Comrie during the 24 years he has held the appointment.
The remarkable success which has attended Dr. Comrie’s teaching is undoubtedly due to his profound knowledge, his untiring zeal for the subject of medical history, and to the proficiency of his work at Edinburgh. The erudite character of his contributions upon the history of medicine to scientific journals and transactions of learned societies has deservedly gained for him a world reputation.
It had long been a matter of wonderment to me why greater interest was not taken in the history of the art and science of healing, embracing as it does, not only medicine and surgery, but also chemistry, pharmacy, anthropology, etc. For the chemist, the lawyer or the philosopher who wishes to attain eminence in his particular profession, a comprehensive knowledge of its historical development is essential. This fact is especially true with regard to medicine.
As a student I experienced difficulties in acquiring a knowledge of the origins and development of medicine, etc., owing to the paucity of material in Museums and private collections of objects illustrating the history of the healing arts.
It was the interest and knowledge that I derived from the collection of such objects for my own information which afterwards stimulated me to establish, for the benefit of others, a museum specifically devoted to the history of medicine and the allied sciences.
It is encouraging to observe the growing frequency with which University and other lecturers now bring their students to the Historical Medical Museum in London to expound by objective demonstrations the fascination and practical value of the teaching of the history of medicine. These visual object-lessons do much more than merely supplement the oral instruction of the lecture-room; they help very materially to infuse into the dry bones of history a live and realistic interest.
In the world of medicine and surgery, Scotland has produced a remarkable number of men of professional eminence, and that country’s universities have always stood conspicuously in the forefront of medical knowledge and practice.
In 1927, I invited Dr. Comrie to prepare a comprehensive History of Scottish Medicine, a task for which he is so well qualified; and the present volumes are the outcome. The amount of research entailed in an undertaking of this character is obviously great, a labour which Dr. Comrie has accomplished with marked skill and intuition. Throughout the work he has maintained a high standard, and in the treatment of his subject has revealed rare gifts of mind.
The 250th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh in 1681 seems to be a fitting time for the appearance of this work.
HENRY S. WELLCOME
You can get to this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/medical
Descendants of Micum McIntire
Added a link to this publication from our MacIntyre page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macinty.html
Robert Burns Lives!
Edited by Frank Shaw
An old friend and contributor to our Robert Burns Lives! website is back with us today. Once, while driving into Atlanta with my son Scott and me, Gerry Carruthers referenced Robert Burns Lives! as RBL. It caught my son’s attention and he called even more attention to it by saying we no longer need to refer to it in that way because it had just become RBL. We three chuckled and more and more I now hear that reference to our site. Gerry is an honorary member of the Burns Club of Atlanta, having been voted that rare honor when Ross Roy passed away a couple of years ago. He is also known as Professor Carruthers but to those who know him well, he will always be Gerry. He is a mover and shaker among Burnsians, teaching us about Burns, pro and con. Forever popular on radio and television and author of many books on Burns, Gerry is a man of deep humility, a man among the people willing to engage in rhetorical jousting when needed. Come armed for battle if that is the case or you shall appear naked when the bout is over!
As part of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Muir, the Friends of Thomas Muir are amid a series of events. On 23rd September 2015 at the invitation of Fiona McLeod MSP, the FOTM were hosted at the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh with music from Rallion and music, theatre and a talk by the pupils of Douglas Academy in Milngavie. The event took place in front of many MSPs, a large public audience and also former First Minister of Scotland, the Right Honorable Alex Salmond MP, who spoke to the event. Gerry graciously shared the speech he delivered at this Parliament event and I know you will find it as interesting as I did.
I joined the Friends of Thomas Muir when it was founded and I encourage those of you who might be interested to do so also. For more information about the FOTM and their 250 events, see: http://www.thomasmuir.co.uk/friendsofthomasmuir.html
You can read this article...
Thomas Muir, Uncompromising Hero or The Man Who had Poor Social Skills by Gerard Carruthers at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives224.htm
THE STORY
I thought I'd feature this story to show how many Scots arrived in Canada and the condition many were in when they arrived.
Woodstock, Ont. 1848
From "The Church The Gaels Built" by W. Stewart Lavell. Excerpt from pg. 4, "Beginnings".
Our thanks to Allan J. Gillies for sending this in...
Just how many Gaelic Scots were in Woodstock at the time is difficult to know, but in 1848 a large group of them came to the community as emigrants - many of them not knowing a word of English. We are indebted to Miss Isabelle McLaren, secretary of Knox Church as this is being written, for an interesting account of the arrival of one such group. It is attributed to one D. McPherson and reads as follows:
"One fine morning in the spring of 1848 many families of emigrants from South Uist (an island off the coast of Scotland) were driven upon the Green. This spot of land was the five acres bounded on the south by Dundas Street, on the north by Hunter Street, on the east by Graham Street and on the west by Light Street. It sloped upwards toward the old Court House and was covered with thick green sod, with a dirty, stagnant pool of water at the south end.
"Eight or ten wagons were unloading human beings - old men and old women, children of all ages, with literally nothing save the clothes on their backs - nothing to eat and no money with which to buy food - faces and hands dirty and their hair a mass of tangles - their clothes smelling strongly of ship tar. Many of them men wore jackets of navy blue with breeks to match, and bonnets, either Glengarry, Balmoral or Tam O'Shanter. The women wore the regulation blue-black short fishing skirt and a blouse. Many of them were bare footed, bare headed, or perhaps a shawl thrown over their heads. Only one woman wore a mutch.
"Theses people had to put up with the poorest accommodation aboard ship - the same on land, hustled and bustled through from the sea to whatever part of the country the emigration officer thought fit to send them. No person offered them water, soap or towels, and they had not the wherewith to buy the necessities of life nor enough knowledge of English to demand them. The emigration agents did not take the trouble to inform the municipalities that emigrants were coming. Newspapers were scarce and dear.
"These people were bundled off the wagons on the cold, frosty grass with loud and eargrating oaths and curses. People of the village turned out and looked on with a sort of dazed astonishment in their eyes. The authorities took no action, but such men as Angus Campbell, John Sutherland, Peter McLeod, James Barclay, William McKay (stone cutter), Elder George Gunn and his three sons (Lauchlan, James and Hugh), John Maxwell (printer), Donald MacPherson, an Elder in the Kirk, and others just as good and true, formed themselves into an emergency committee and went up to the Green.
"At the first word of Gaelic spoken the men came forth with their bonnets in their left hand, their right hand outstretched for the friendly grasp. Most of the women were sitting with their heads in their hands, suffering from hunger and terrible loneliness, but when they heard the Gaelic salutation "Peace be Here" (in Gaelic a loose translation is "sith dhuibh"), they sprang to their feet, and fairly covered the hands of their new friends with kisses. Highland people do not deal much with kisses but when they do, their own soul is stirred up with loving thankfulness.
"Soon bread, potatoes, milk, butter, teapots of hot tea and hot soup were carried to them and the men built fires while others gleaned from others their prospects.
"......The authorities had still taken no action and the day wore on. Donald McPherson Campbell & Peter McLeod called on John Greig and asked him for the key to Auld Kirk. John gave it up and the doors were thrown wide open and the new friends put these people there for the night. Citizens came to Angus Campbell and gave him money to buy food for the morrow."
The account concludes that some of these people were put in shanties on farms in W. Zorra, others built shanties on vacant lots on Winniet Street or wherever they could squat. But it adds that many never learned to speak English and felt themselves in a strange land.
END.
You might like to read "Pioneer Life in Zorra" by Rev W. A. MacKay, (1899) at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/canada/zorra/
And that's it for this week and hope you all enjoy your weekend.
Alastair
http://www.electricscotland.com/
Electric Scotland News
I had a long weekend in Toronto this week so left home on Friday and got back on the Monday and confess I didn't even open my computer all that time. I was actually attending the annual investiture of the St James Priory of the Knights Templar. It is the one event all Knights and Dames have to attend each year unless you get special permission to not attend.
My friend Nola Crewe received promotion to Grand Croix which is a very significant position in the order meaning she can now induct postulants into the order. The event was at St. James Cathedral in Toronto and the banquet was held at the Royal Canadian Military Institute. I will say I was disappointed with the banquet as usually they serve up excellent faire along with wee snacks handed out as you meet for a drink or two prior to the meal. However no snacks were handed out and the meal at best was ok but am sure all of us could have cooked up better at home.
This was the first time I'd visited the RCMI since it opened up again. The original building had been sold and they now have the first four floors of the new building which was built on the site. I can't say I was overly impressed with it. Apart from that I enjoyed the investiture and talking to the various Knights and Dames.
Due to me placing an article in the Canadian Templar in the September issue which was somewhat critical of a person who is trying to tell new story of the US Great Seals and Symbolism I was attacked by that person in the media. He reported that he had tried to find out about me and contacted a friend in the Knights Templars in Canada (not our order which is OSMTH) and it was reported back that I was a "religious nutter". I did email him to ask why he was commenting on me and offered links to my mini bio and a link to other issues of the Canadian Templar. I also offered him the opportunity to tell his side of the story. All I got back was a brief message saying he was sorry. I also emailed the Knights Templar order in Canada and from them I've heard nothing back.
All of that said it was good to learn that many people had read the article and a lot more than normally read the Canadian Templar. So a bit of controversy is obviously good to build readership numbers <grin>
Bronze age sauna unearthed on Orkney
The find was among the remains of more than 30 buildings dating from around 4000-1000BC. Read more about this at:http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/he...kney-1-3902053
Boatbuilding thrives in Plockton
West Highland College UHI have teamed up with Plockton High School to support delivery of the Am Bata boatbuilding project.
Read about this at http://www.whfp.com/2015/09/10/boatb...s-in-plockton/
The Battle of Loos: How Dundee marks its black day
Practically all the officers and a great number of the men of the 4th Black Watch, Dundee's own, were either killed, wounded or prisoners.
Read about this at: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-34289582
Electric Canadian
The War Story of the Canadian Red Cross Overseas
By Mary MacLeod Moore (pdf)
You can download this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...fsredcross.pdf
Maple-Leaf Men
And other War Gleanings by Rose E. Sharland (pdf)
You can download this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...pleleafmen.pdf
Electric Scotland
Clan Wallace Society - Worldwide
Got in their Autumn 2015 newsletter which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...lace/index.htm
Four Perthshire Families
Roger, Playfair, Constable and Haldane of Barmony. Added a link to this book at the foot of our Perthshire page at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/perth/
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in section 1 of the October 2015 edition which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft/index.htm
Vindication of the Clanronald of Glengarry
Added a link to this book from our Clan MacDonald page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macdona.html
Colt and Coutts
Genealogical memoirs of the families. You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/atoc/colt.html
History of the Chapel Royal of Scotland
Added this book to our Stirling Council page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/council/stirling.htm
Illustrated Book of Scottish Songs
Edited by Charles MacKay, New Edition revised by Charles Rogers (1866). Added this book to our Rogers page at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...rs_charles.htm
A History of the Scottish Women's Hospitals
Edited by Eva Shaw McLaren to which I also added a biography of Elsie Maud Inglis.
The Scottish Women's Hospitals (SWH), a unique health institution in the history of medicine, staffed entirely by women, was founded soon after the outbreak of the First World War, August 12, 1914 in Edinburgh, by the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies. The founder and the main driving force behind this organisation was Dr. Elsie Inglis (1864-1917). Although her proposition to the British War Office had been rejected, she offered her services to the Allies (France, Belgium, Russia and Serbia). The first 200 bed SWH unit was sent to France in November 1914, and soon after followed other units, so at the end there were 13 very well equipped SWH units working in the various theatres of war in Belgium, Serbia, Russia, Rumania and Greece. The first unit of SWH came to Serbia in early January 1915, and was located at Kragujevac. Soon after, three other SWH units arrived to Serbia and were stationed at Mladenovac, Valjevo and Lazarevac. It was an enormous help to Serbia, full of wounded and sick people, due to the dreadful typhus epidemic which was devastating the country. A large SWH unit, attached to the Southern Slav Volunteer Division, had worked on the Dobrudja front, and there were three hospitals and a special transport unit on the Salonika Front, which were all engaged in the treatment of Serbian wounded soldiers until the end of the First World War. Two other SWH units, located in France, were treating the Serbian refugees. Serving bravely and honorably on the various theatres of war, the legendary Scottish Women's Hospitals made enormous contributions to the allied war efforts, and helped Serbian people a great deal.
You can read this book and the other one at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/women/wh53.htm
Tyrie Family
Added this family to our Other Families index page and you can view this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...toz/tyrie.html
History of Scottish Medicine
By John D. Comrie (1932) in 2 volumes. Added this publication to our Scottish Medicine page.
FOREWORD To Second Edition
THERE is probably no specialised branch of study which embraces the whole history of mankind to such a comprehensive degree as that of medicine and the allied sciences. Within this field of investigation come all the vicissitudes of human existence and endeavour.
ft is by the historical methods of approach in medical research that we are enabled to understand and reveal the philosophies and practices of ancient peoples. By thus expounding the achievements, the failures and the evolution of human effort, inspiration is aroused, leading to discovery and invention.
In the middle of the seventeenth century the great historian, Bishop Fuller, demonstrating a true conception of the value of historical research, remarked that it “maketh a young man to be old without wrinkles or grey hairs: privileging him with the experience of age without either the infirmities or inconveniences thereof. ... It not only maketh things past present, but enableth one to make a rational conjecture of things to come.”
As we delve into the history of mankind we find the foundations of medicine are submerged in the realms of magic and priestcraft with their profusion of charms, amulets and talismans, mysterious ceremonies and superstitious practices. From these primitive origins of the art of healing, and from the long intervening centuries of religio-medical beliefs, modern medical science has been slowly evolved.
Although we realise that many of the medical and scientific opinions of to-day may in the next century be discredited, yet it is the discerning student of history who discovers the fact that from the errors of the past many new truths of modern science are to be disclosed.
It is of paramount importance, therefore, that from every practical standpoint, the student of to-day should understand and appreciate the incalculable value of the history of medical science. Not only does it enable research workers and students to gain a clear and comprehensive view of the progressive stages by which the present condition of knowledge has been reached, but it also offers an unfailing source of inspiration for future discovery.
From the close of the seventeenth century Edinburgh has occupied a position pre-eminent in the academic world of medicine and surgery, a distinction which is due largely to the zealous enthusiasm and inspiration of the celebrated Dr. Archibald Pitcairne (1652-1713) and his contemporaries. Pitcairne, like Borelli in Italy, became one of the founders of the Iatro-mechanical or Iatro-mathematical school of thought. The system developed from Harvey’s demonstration of the circulation of the blood, and its adherents attempted to prove that all the bodily functions were mere mechanical activities. Although this idea did not prevail for long, it formed, for the century after Harvey, an experimental working hypothesis, the principal result of which was undoubtedly to develop an exceptionally keen interest in the study of anatomy and physiology.
Thus at the commencement of the eighteenth century the brilliant anatomical work of Pitcairne and other Edinburgh surgeons resulted in the appointment of Robert Eliot as first professor of anatomy (1705) in Britain.
To Pitcairne more than anyone else may justly be assigned the credit not only of originating the Edinburgh Medical School, but of doing much to establish the world-wide reputation it gained, which even in those days was due largely to its acceptance of the Paduan tradition which Pitcairne so strenuously upheld.
Again, in the nineteenth century, as a pioneer in the teaching of the history of medicine, we find Edinburgh leading the way. Even as early as 1857 such importance was attached to the subject in Edinburgh that the distinguished Dr. James Warburton Begbie (1826-1876) inaugurated a series of lectures on the history of medicine in the extra-academical school. After a number of years they ceased through Begbie having relinquished the post on account of the great demand for his professional services as a consultant.
Notwithstanding this lead, however, less than 30 years ago not one university in the British Empire was providing regular academic instruction in the history of medicine.
It was in 1907 that the authorities of the University of Edinburgh, demonstrating once again their characteristic forethought and powers of discernment in educational matters, forestalled other British Universities by founding a lectureship in the history of medicine. Thus they led the way in the establishment of regular university teaching upon a subject which, formerly considered of extraneous interest, now seems destined to become an integral part of medical education.
It was with special gratification, therefore, that I learned of the establishment of the lectureship on the history of medicine, and of the appointment of Dr. J. D. Comrie as Lecturer in the University of Edinburgh.
The acceptance of such an appointment was an undertaking of no mean responsibility. The fact that during the 19 academic years which have ensued, from 1908-9 to 1931,1 attendances at these lectures have consistently maintained an average of close on 100 students, bears witness both to the perspicacity of the University authorities, and to the unfailing enthusiasm and ability of Dr. Comrie during the 24 years he has held the appointment.
The remarkable success which has attended Dr. Comrie’s teaching is undoubtedly due to his profound knowledge, his untiring zeal for the subject of medical history, and to the proficiency of his work at Edinburgh. The erudite character of his contributions upon the history of medicine to scientific journals and transactions of learned societies has deservedly gained for him a world reputation.
It had long been a matter of wonderment to me why greater interest was not taken in the history of the art and science of healing, embracing as it does, not only medicine and surgery, but also chemistry, pharmacy, anthropology, etc. For the chemist, the lawyer or the philosopher who wishes to attain eminence in his particular profession, a comprehensive knowledge of its historical development is essential. This fact is especially true with regard to medicine.
As a student I experienced difficulties in acquiring a knowledge of the origins and development of medicine, etc., owing to the paucity of material in Museums and private collections of objects illustrating the history of the healing arts.
It was the interest and knowledge that I derived from the collection of such objects for my own information which afterwards stimulated me to establish, for the benefit of others, a museum specifically devoted to the history of medicine and the allied sciences.
It is encouraging to observe the growing frequency with which University and other lecturers now bring their students to the Historical Medical Museum in London to expound by objective demonstrations the fascination and practical value of the teaching of the history of medicine. These visual object-lessons do much more than merely supplement the oral instruction of the lecture-room; they help very materially to infuse into the dry bones of history a live and realistic interest.
In the world of medicine and surgery, Scotland has produced a remarkable number of men of professional eminence, and that country’s universities have always stood conspicuously in the forefront of medical knowledge and practice.
In 1927, I invited Dr. Comrie to prepare a comprehensive History of Scottish Medicine, a task for which he is so well qualified; and the present volumes are the outcome. The amount of research entailed in an undertaking of this character is obviously great, a labour which Dr. Comrie has accomplished with marked skill and intuition. Throughout the work he has maintained a high standard, and in the treatment of his subject has revealed rare gifts of mind.
The 250th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh in 1681 seems to be a fitting time for the appearance of this work.
HENRY S. WELLCOME
You can get to this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/medical
Descendants of Micum McIntire
Added a link to this publication from our MacIntyre page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macinty.html
Robert Burns Lives!
Edited by Frank Shaw
An old friend and contributor to our Robert Burns Lives! website is back with us today. Once, while driving into Atlanta with my son Scott and me, Gerry Carruthers referenced Robert Burns Lives! as RBL. It caught my son’s attention and he called even more attention to it by saying we no longer need to refer to it in that way because it had just become RBL. We three chuckled and more and more I now hear that reference to our site. Gerry is an honorary member of the Burns Club of Atlanta, having been voted that rare honor when Ross Roy passed away a couple of years ago. He is also known as Professor Carruthers but to those who know him well, he will always be Gerry. He is a mover and shaker among Burnsians, teaching us about Burns, pro and con. Forever popular on radio and television and author of many books on Burns, Gerry is a man of deep humility, a man among the people willing to engage in rhetorical jousting when needed. Come armed for battle if that is the case or you shall appear naked when the bout is over!
As part of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Muir, the Friends of Thomas Muir are amid a series of events. On 23rd September 2015 at the invitation of Fiona McLeod MSP, the FOTM were hosted at the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh with music from Rallion and music, theatre and a talk by the pupils of Douglas Academy in Milngavie. The event took place in front of many MSPs, a large public audience and also former First Minister of Scotland, the Right Honorable Alex Salmond MP, who spoke to the event. Gerry graciously shared the speech he delivered at this Parliament event and I know you will find it as interesting as I did.
I joined the Friends of Thomas Muir when it was founded and I encourage those of you who might be interested to do so also. For more information about the FOTM and their 250 events, see: http://www.thomasmuir.co.uk/friendsofthomasmuir.html
You can read this article...
Thomas Muir, Uncompromising Hero or The Man Who had Poor Social Skills by Gerard Carruthers at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives224.htm
THE STORY
I thought I'd feature this story to show how many Scots arrived in Canada and the condition many were in when they arrived.
Woodstock, Ont. 1848
From "The Church The Gaels Built" by W. Stewart Lavell. Excerpt from pg. 4, "Beginnings".
Our thanks to Allan J. Gillies for sending this in...
Just how many Gaelic Scots were in Woodstock at the time is difficult to know, but in 1848 a large group of them came to the community as emigrants - many of them not knowing a word of English. We are indebted to Miss Isabelle McLaren, secretary of Knox Church as this is being written, for an interesting account of the arrival of one such group. It is attributed to one D. McPherson and reads as follows:
"One fine morning in the spring of 1848 many families of emigrants from South Uist (an island off the coast of Scotland) were driven upon the Green. This spot of land was the five acres bounded on the south by Dundas Street, on the north by Hunter Street, on the east by Graham Street and on the west by Light Street. It sloped upwards toward the old Court House and was covered with thick green sod, with a dirty, stagnant pool of water at the south end.
"Eight or ten wagons were unloading human beings - old men and old women, children of all ages, with literally nothing save the clothes on their backs - nothing to eat and no money with which to buy food - faces and hands dirty and their hair a mass of tangles - their clothes smelling strongly of ship tar. Many of them men wore jackets of navy blue with breeks to match, and bonnets, either Glengarry, Balmoral or Tam O'Shanter. The women wore the regulation blue-black short fishing skirt and a blouse. Many of them were bare footed, bare headed, or perhaps a shawl thrown over their heads. Only one woman wore a mutch.
"Theses people had to put up with the poorest accommodation aboard ship - the same on land, hustled and bustled through from the sea to whatever part of the country the emigration officer thought fit to send them. No person offered them water, soap or towels, and they had not the wherewith to buy the necessities of life nor enough knowledge of English to demand them. The emigration agents did not take the trouble to inform the municipalities that emigrants were coming. Newspapers were scarce and dear.
"These people were bundled off the wagons on the cold, frosty grass with loud and eargrating oaths and curses. People of the village turned out and looked on with a sort of dazed astonishment in their eyes. The authorities took no action, but such men as Angus Campbell, John Sutherland, Peter McLeod, James Barclay, William McKay (stone cutter), Elder George Gunn and his three sons (Lauchlan, James and Hugh), John Maxwell (printer), Donald MacPherson, an Elder in the Kirk, and others just as good and true, formed themselves into an emergency committee and went up to the Green.
"At the first word of Gaelic spoken the men came forth with their bonnets in their left hand, their right hand outstretched for the friendly grasp. Most of the women were sitting with their heads in their hands, suffering from hunger and terrible loneliness, but when they heard the Gaelic salutation "Peace be Here" (in Gaelic a loose translation is "sith dhuibh"), they sprang to their feet, and fairly covered the hands of their new friends with kisses. Highland people do not deal much with kisses but when they do, their own soul is stirred up with loving thankfulness.
"Soon bread, potatoes, milk, butter, teapots of hot tea and hot soup were carried to them and the men built fires while others gleaned from others their prospects.
"......The authorities had still taken no action and the day wore on. Donald McPherson Campbell & Peter McLeod called on John Greig and asked him for the key to Auld Kirk. John gave it up and the doors were thrown wide open and the new friends put these people there for the night. Citizens came to Angus Campbell and gave him money to buy food for the morrow."
The account concludes that some of these people were put in shanties on farms in W. Zorra, others built shanties on vacant lots on Winniet Street or wherever they could squat. But it adds that many never learned to speak English and felt themselves in a strange land.
END.
You might like to read "Pioneer Life in Zorra" by Rev W. A. MacKay, (1899) at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/canada/zorra/
And that's it for this week and hope you all enjoy your weekend.
Alastair