Papers relating to Dr Matthews Duncan

Scope and Content

Reproductions of papers relating to the obstetric career of Dr Matthews Duncan, including a certificate signed by Professor J Y Simpson confirming Duncan's attendance at his midwifery lectures, held at the University of Edinburgh (April 1846), a leaflet advertising a course of lectures in midwifery to be taken by Duncan (April 1853). a letter of reference signed by Joseph Lister in support of Duncan's application for the Chair of Midwifery at Edinburgh University (May 1870), a letter from Duncan to Sir Robert Christison (March 1875) detailing his part in the discovery of chloroform as Simpson's assistant, and a letter from Lister to Duncan enquiring about his disposition to take a position at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London (1877). Also with the papers is a copy of the telegram from Queen Victoria sent from Balmoral following Duncan's death (September 1890) and photographs of Duncan's grave at Finchley and of Duncan's own forceps.

Access Information

Unrestricted

Custodial History

From the library and collection of Professor Roy Dobbin