280 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
No. CXIV.
DR. ALEXANDER MONRO, SECUNDUS,
PROFESSOR OF ANATONY.
THE father of this celebrated anatomist was the first efficient professor of the
science in the Uoiversity of Edinburgh, and may be considered as the founder
of the medical school which has been subsequently so justly famed.’ He
was a descendant of the Munros of Milntoun, and grandson of Sir Alexander
Monro of Beerscroft-a strenuous opponent of Oliver Cromwell.
MONROse, mndus, was born in Edinburgh in 17 32 ; and, although the youngest
son, his father early designed that he should be his successor, and no exertion
was spared to initiate him in the practice as well as the theory of his profession.
That his whole time and attention might be devoted to the science,
his father-presuming on the strength of thirty years’ devotion to the medical
chair, and emboldened by the fame which the seminary had acquired under his
professorship-ventured to memorialise the Town Council on the subject of
appointing his son assistant and successor. Among other motives which urged
the professor to this step, it is stated in the memorial that the acquisition of so
much knowledge of an extensive science as a teacher ought to have cannot be
obtained without some neglect of the other branches ; and, therefore, a prospect
of suitable advantage from that one branch must be given, to induce any person
to bestow more time and pains on it than on others.
’ The memorial thus proceeds :-“That the professor’s youngest son has
appeared to his father, for some years past, to have the qualifications necessary
for a teacher ; and this winter he has given proof, not only dissecting all the
course of his father, but prelecting in most of it. That he is already equal to
the office ; for testimony of which, it is entreated that inquiry may be made at
the numerous students who were present at his lectures and demonstrations.”
It was farther stated that, if “the patrons agreed to the proposition, the education
of the young professor should be directed, with a view to that business, under
the best masters in Europe. He should have all his father’s papers, books,
instruments, and preparations, with all the assistance his father can give in
teaching, while he is fit for labour.”
This document throws great light upon the history of the young anatomist,
and of the profitable manner in which he had spent his time. It contains also
a plain but sensible statement of his father’s sentiments concerning his proficiency.
Dr. Mom, primus, waa the author of n 6‘ System of bsteology ” which has never been
attempted to be rivalled.
