Copy of the last will and testament of William Hunter made 23 July 1781 with codicil dated 31 August 1782.
Copy of the last will and testament with codicil of William Hunter, 1718-1783, anatomist and obstetrician
Archive Collection
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- ReferenceGB 247 MS Gen 1000
- Dates of Creation1781-1782
- Language of MaterialEnglish
- Physical Description16 pages (MS. on 11 sides of gathering of 8 foolscap leaves)
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
William Hunter was born at Long Calderwood Farm, East Kilbride, near Glasgow, Scotland, in 1718. He came as a student to the University of Glasgow in 1731 and later studied medicine at Edinburgh, before going to London in 1741. Hunter quickly became well-known as a physician, especially as an obstetrician, and built up a distinguished clientle, including members of the British Royal Family. He soon assembled a collection of anatomical and pathological specimens, related to his medical work. In the 1750s he began collecting art and later diversified into coins, books, manuscripts and ethnography. In 1768 he opened a medical school at his house in Great Windmill Street, Glasgow. In 1783 Hunter bequeathed his entire collection to Glasgow University, along with funds to construct a suitable Museum building. Under the terms of his will, however, his collections of books, manuscripts, coins, medals, paintings, shells, minerals, and anatomical and natural history specimens were retained in London until 1807 for the use of his nephew Matthew Baillie (1761-1823). The Hunterian Museum was subsequently built on the grounds of the University of Glasgow.
Arrangement
The arrangement of this material reflects the original order in which it was received
Access Information
Access is open, however an appointment may be required. Please email Archives and Special Collections for advice: library-asc@glasgow.ac.uk
Acquisition Information
Gift : Dr K Bryn Thomas : 1959 : ACCN 4011
Other Finding Aids
See also University of Glasgow Collections
Conditions Governing Use
Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents. Applications for permission to quote should be sent to Archives and Special Collections, please email: library-asc@glasgow.ac.uk
Appraisal Information
This material has been appraised in line with standard GB 247 procedures
Custodial History
Held by Dr K Bryn Thomas
Accruals
None expected
Location of Originals
This is a copy of the original will