You are in: Home › Family Records › From our Records › Scotland's Hall of Fame › Medicine ›

FLEMING, Sir Alexander (1881-1955)

Scientist. He discovered penicillin in 1928 although its anti-bacterial properties were not fully exploited until the Second World War. It is one of the most important developments in modern medicine and Fleming shared the Nobel Prize in 1945.

HUNTER, John (1728-1793)

Anatomist, Physiologist, and Surgeon. After a brief apprenticeship as a cabinet-maker he joined his brother William in London. He made rapid progress in the study of anatomy and surgery and became the leading anatomist of his day, being appointed Surgeon Extraordinary to King George III (1776). He laid the foundation of comparative anatomy; pioneered the art of tissue grafting and dissection; established a museum which was subsequently presented to the Royal College of Surgeons of England; was elected to several leading Royal Academies; and was Deputy Surgeon General to the Army from 1786. He died suddenly while on duty at St. George's Hospital London on 16 October 1793 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. His birthplace in East Kilbride is now a museum which celebrates the work of the Hunter brothers.

He was born on 13 February 1728.

HUNTER, William (1718-1783)

Anatomist and obstetrician. The elder brother and teacher of John Hunter. He first attended Glasgow University at the age of 13. He later graduated in medicine from there and trained in anatomy in London. He devoted himself to midwifery and became the first Professor of Anatomy to the Royal Academy and President of the Royal College of Physicians. He was also appointed Physician Extraordinary to Queen Charlotte, attending 11 royal births. He bequeathed his extensive museum to the University of Glasgow on his death in 1783. His birthplace in East Kilbride is now a museum which celebrates the work of the Hunter brothers.

SIMPSON, Sir James Young (1811-1870)

Physician, introduced use of chloroform. He was professor of midwifery at the University of Edinburgh, published several important medical works and was honoured throughout Europe and America. The claim that he discovered chloroform is disputed although he was certainly the first person to apply it as an anaesthetic. He was given a public funeral in Edinburgh and his bust was placed in Westminster Abbey.

STOPES, Marie Charlotte Carmichael (1880-1950)

Doctor and Scientist. Pioneer of modern education in 'constructive birth control' and founder of the first modern birth control clinic. She was also a leading scientist, specialising in fossils - she was an authority on coal - and the first woman to be appointed to the science staff at Manchester University.