BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 53
prbjected the plan of delivering private lectures on medicine in Edinburgh is
not exactly known, It was considered as a great novelty, because at that time
there had been only one instance of an attempt to deliver medical lectures without
the bounds of the University. This was by Dr. George Martin, also a physician
from St. Andrews. He commenced about twelve or fifteen years previous to
Dr. Duncan. Whether he delivered a second course is unknown, for he was
very soon removed by death. Dr. Duncan for many years gave lectures on
different branches of medicine,
Whilst busily engaged in preparing for the commencement of his lectures,
a vacancy having occurred in the University of St. Andrews, by the death of
Dr. Thomas Simson, Professor of Medicine, Dr. Duncan immediately resolved
to stand for the chair, which is in the gift of the University. On this occasion
he produced ample testimonials from the medical gentlemen of the University
of Edinburgh, under whom he had studied, as well as other equally satisfactory
recommendations. He was nevertheless unsuccessful. This occurred in 1 770.
Without relaxing his diligence during the course of that year, he published a
syllabus of what he proposed to discuss more fully in his lectures. It was
entitled ‘‘ Elements of Therapeutics.”
In 1772 Dr. Duncan published an essay on the use of mercury. On the 6th
September 1775 he was appointed by the patrons to teach the class of the
Institutes of Medicine, in the place of Dr. Drummond, at that time abroad. He
at the same time announced himself a candidate, in the event of Dr. Drummond
declining to accept of the professorship. It is now generally acknowledged that
Dr. Duncan was not fairly treated in this transaction by the magistrates, who
thought proper to pass him over. At the commencement of the session, in
November 1776, he published an address to the students of medicine in the
University, in which he stated his intention to continue his lectures out of the
College. About this time he also gave to the public “Heads of Lectures on
the Theory and Practice of Medicine.” His classes were well attended ; and
his not obtaining the professorship increased in place of diminishing the number
of students.
The Doctor had the merit of founding, in the same year, the Edinburgh
Dispensary. An
Infirmary had been erected about forty years before that peridd ; but persons
afflicted with what are termed chronic diseases are not aclmitted into it, though
they have a very strong claim upon the sympathy and compassion of mankind.
The labour and exertion to which he submitted in accomplishing the object
intended were unremitting. He drew up a prospectus ; and, after circulating it
among his friends, and securing their approbation, he adventured to address the
public upon the subject, which was favourably received. A Hall was erected
in West Richmond Street, with suitable accommodation. In it there is a portrait
of the founder, painted for the Dispensary by the late Sir Henry Raeburn.
The Doctor lived long to see his generous labours crowned with success ; and,
at the interval of half a century, to have the agreeable information communicated,
The plan and the execution of it originated with himself.
54 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
that upwards of two hundred thousand patients had derived benefit from the
Institution.
br. Duncan entered warmly into every proposal which had for its object the
promotion of medical science. He projected, in 1773, a new work to be published
annually, originally under the name of “ Medical Commentaries,” but subsequently
under the title of “Annals of Medicine,” which regularly made its
appearance f0r.a series of more than thirty years.
The celebrated Dr. Cullen, through old age and extreme debility, having
resigned, Dr. James Gregory was elected to the professorship of the ,Practice of
Physic on the 30th December 1789. Upon the same day Dr. Duncan was
chosen Dr. Gregory’s successor j and lie taught this class-“ The Theory of
Medicine ”-till within a few months of his death.
No. CXCI.
DR. ANDREW DUNCAN
IN 1797.
THIS portrait represents the Professor at a later period of life than the former,
although, from the difference of attitude, and the adoption of the modern round
hat, his appearance may be deemed younger. He invariably carried an umbrella
under his arm in the manner figured.
In 1807 Dr. Duncan proposed the erection of a Lunatic Asylum at
Morningside, in the vicinity of Edinburgh, the want of which had been long
felt in Edinburgh. He had many difficulties to encounter. Subscriptions at
first came in slowly, but at last the object was effected ; and a royal charter
for its erection was obtained. The year following, the Lord Provost, Magistrates,
and Town Council presented him with the freedom of the city, in testimony of
the sense they entertained of the services he had rendered to the community
by the establishment of the Public Dispensary and Lunatic Asylum.
Dr. Duncan delighted much in the pleasure of a garden, and having for
many years entertained an opinion that the science of horticulture might be
greatly improved, he succeeded, in 1809, in establishing the Caledonian
Horticultural Society. . It is incorporated by royal charter ; and, by exciting
a spirit of emulation among practical gardeners, has been productive of the best
effects. Upon the death of Dr. Gregory) he was appointed, in 1831, First
Physician to his Majesty for Scotland.
Dr. Duncan was a member of the Harveian, Gymnastic, and other clubs of a