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