Chiene, John (1843-1923)

The collection comprises correspondence with Joseph Lister, Sir James Paget, Louis Pasteur, and Lord Robert, each with associated transcripts. Chiene's leather wallet is also held in the collection.

Professor John Chiene, MD (1843-1923), surgeon, was born in Edinburgh, the son of a chartered accountant.

He was educated at Edinburgh Academy and Edinburgh University, and also studied medicine in Paris, Berlin and Vienna during 1860. He graduated MD with Honours from Edinburgh in 1865. Chiene then became a House Surgeon for James Syme, and demonstrated in Anatomy under John Goodsir. 'Honest John' Chiene held the post of Professor of Surgery at Edinburgh University from 1882-1909. He instituted a small laboratory at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for the examination of pathological and bacteriological specimens and was a pioneer of the Edinburgh Ambulance Service. During the Boer War he was consulting surgeon to HM Roces in South Africa. Professor Chiene was President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh,1897-1899. Chiene excelled at cricket and rugby and was the first President of the Scottish Rugby Union.

He presented the Chiene Cup to the Royal College's Golf Club.

Correspondence file arranged chronologically

Due to the rare, fragile and occasionally confidential nature of the material held, access to the archives is normally by appointment, to allow preparation and avoid disappointment. Data protection is closely observed. Please make arrangements in advance with the library staff at library@rcsed.ac.uk.

Correspondence, transcripts, personal item