John Barclay

Born in Cairn, Perthshire in 1758, John initially studied divinity at St Andrews University and was a minister for 10 years before deciding to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh. 

 

On graduating John went to London where he studied under the Scottish physician and anatomist, Andrew Marshall. John returned to Edinburgh where he established himself as an anatomical lecturer. His lectures became popular and grew in reputation. John was formally recognised as a lecturer on anatomy and surgery by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) in 1804, followed by becoming a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh 

 

Edinburgh Council put him up for a chair in Comparative Anatomy along the lines of Cuvier's in Paris. It was rejected for political reasons by the Medical School, causing a stir in Edinburgh and led to the well-known cartoon in Kay's Portraits called 'A Craft in Danger'. It parodied the inward-looking anatomists in the medical school at the time, who felt threatened by Barclay's popularity and prestige. He supported William Dick in forming his veterinary school at Edinburgh. 

 

John died in 1825 but he ensured that the large collection of specimens he had amassed during his lifetime were donated to the RCSEd, which can now be viewed there.