| Description Of Item | Oil on canvas, 83.8 x 71 cm
William Cullen (1710–1790) was born in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, and educated at Grammar School and Glasgow College before being apprenticed to Mr Nisbet, a surgeon apothecary. At the age of 19 he became a surgeon on a trading ship plying between London and the West Indies. He returned to Scotland in 1731 and commenced practice in the village of Shotts. Two years later he came to Edinburgh to study medicine throughout three winter sessions.
Cullen and some of his fellow students started a medical society which was granted a Royal Charter from King George III in 1779. Cullen became sole Professor of Chemistry and Medicine. When the Chair of the Institutes of Medicine became vacant Dr Cullen was appointed. In 1773 Cullen became President of the College and had the satisfaction of laying the foundation stone of the new Hall in George Street. He continued his university work until the age of 79.
Artist: William Cochran (attributed to) |