Struthers, John (1823-1899)

The collection comprises notices relating to the Edinburgh Medical School, the University of Edinburgh, the RCSed, and correspondence concerning Struthers' application for the Chair of Anatomy at Aberdeen, letters to secure for Struthers the support of Home Secretary Sir George Grey and Lord Advocate Moncrieff, testimonials in favour of John Struthers' candidature for the Aberdeen Professorship and congratulatory letters, correspondence in support of James Spence's candidature for the Chair of Surgery at Edinburgh, Struthers's candidature for the Chair of Anatomy at Edinburgh, correspondence in support of Dr Smith-Shand's candidature for the Chair of Practice of Physic at Aberdeen, letters pertaining to Struthers' retirement and the vacancy of the Chair of Anatomy at Aberdeen, and letters relating to honours conferred upon Struthers.

John Struthers was born in Dunfermline; the second of three brothers, all of whom entered the medical profession. He took up surgery and was appointed to the Royal Infirmary following graduation.

After a few years he abandoned surgery in favour of anatomy and was in time appointed Professor of Anatomy at Aberdeen. He held this post for 26 years, during which time he reorganised the whole teaching of anatomy and created an excellent museum of anatomy.

After retiring from his Chair in Aberdeen he returned to Edinburgh where he devoted his energies to the Royal College of Surgeons. He was President from 1895 to 1897 and was knighted in 1898. In 1899 the Struthers Lecture was inaugurated and was given every third year until 1974.

Arrangement based on pre-existing paper catalogue, with subject headings used as series level descriptions

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 by contacting 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.

University notices, correspondence, testimonials