Papers of Professor James Home (1760-1844)

The papers consist of: a pen and ink sketch of Home, circa 1834-1835; a letter to Dr. J. Lind asking for information about Iceland for a proposed expedition, 1789; notes of lectures on material medica, pharmacy, diatetics, 1800-1801, 1807-1808; 1808-1809; notes of lectures on the practice of medicine, 1823-1824; clinical journal with cases of patients in the clinical wards of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, 1801; clinical lectures, 1801; and, remarks on Home's clinical lectures, 1803.

James Home was born in 1760. He was the son of Professor Francis Home (1719-1813). He graduated from Edinburgh University, and his dissertation published in 1781 was entitled Dissertatio ... de scorbuto. In 1798 he succeeded his father as Professor of Materia Medica at Edinburgh University. He was so successful that he raised attendance in his classes sixfold. On the death of Dr. James Gregory (1753-1821) he received the Chair of Physic, a post he held less successfully. Home was President of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh. Professor James Home died on 5 December 1844.

Generally open for consultation to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance.

The biographical/administrative history was compiled using the following material: (1) Stephen, Leslie. and Lee, Sidney (eds.). Dictionary of national biography. Vol. 9. Harris-Hovenden. London: Smith, Elder and Co., 1908.

Compiled by Graeme D Eddie, Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections Division.

Important finding aids generally are: the alphabetical Index to Manuscripts held at Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections and Archives, consisting of typed slips in sheaf binders and to which additions were made until 1987; and the Index to Accessions Since 1987.

Check the local Indexes for details of any additions.

The local Indexes show other references to Home related material in the Laing Collection (check the Indexes for more details): letters to G. J. Thorkelin and F. H. Mackenzie about a proposed expedition to Iceland, 1789, at La.III.379/449-453. There is also a mention in a letter, 1832, at Gen. 1996/9/54. In addition, the UK National Register of Archives (NRA), updated by the Historical Manuscripts Commission, notes: 1791-1844: lecture notes, papers and correspondence, 1791-1844, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Ref. Home NRA 16015 Coll of Physicians.