| Description Of Item | Oil on canvas, 94 x 73.6 cm
Alexander H. Freeland Barbour was born in Edinburgh, the youngest son of G. F. Barbour of Bonskeid, Perthshire. He was educated at Edinburgh, where he obtained an MA in 1875, BSc in 1877, MB (Hons) in 1879 and MD (Gold Medal) in 1883. He attended postgraduate clinics in France, Germany and Italy. He was attracted to obstetrics and gynaecology through the influence of Professor Sir Alexander Russell Simpson, his brother-in-law, to whom he became University Assistant. Later he was appointed physician to the Simpson Memorial Maternity Hospital and gynaecologist to the Royal Infirmary; at the same time he became lecturer in midwifery and gynaecology at the Extra-Mural School.
Freeland Barbour acquired worldwide recognition through the publication of the 'Manual of Gynaecology' which he and Dr Berry Hart produced. He was a man of many interests, in particular the Free Church of Scotland and associated missions abroad. His home in Charlotte Square welcomed students of all nationalities, especially those from the East.
Artist: Philip Alexius de László |