James Begbie
Encyclopedia
James Begbie FRSE FRCPE FRCSE (October 1798, Edinburgh
– 26 August, 1869, Edinburgh) was a Scottish medical doctor who served as president of the Medico-Chirurgical Society of Edinburgh (1850-2) and as president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
(1854-6).
He was among the first physicians to give a detailed description of exophthalmic goitre, currently known as Graves disease (previously called Basedow's syndrome or Begbie's disease). He is also related to the study of Dubini's disease, the old name for myoclonic epidemic encephalitis.
His son James Warburton Begbie was also an eminent physician.
, and educated at the High School and Edinburgh University (MD 1821). One of his instructors was John Abercrombie
(1780-1844). Later on, he also became Abercrombie's assistant.
In 1821, Begbie obtained his medical doctorate from the University of Edinburgh
. In 1822, he became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
. In 1847, he also became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians
, and became its president from 1854 up to 1856. For forty years, Begbie was a physician for the Scottish Widow’s Fund and Life Assurance Society.
Begbie died in Edinburgh and was interred at the New Calton Cemetery.
rheumatism
, the use of nitric-hydrochloric acid for oxaluria, and the use of potassium bromide
for nervousness.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
– 26 August, 1869, Edinburgh) was a Scottish medical doctor who served as president of the Medico-Chirurgical Society of Edinburgh (1850-2) and as president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh was established in the 17th century. While the RCPE is based in Edinburgh, it is by no means just a Scottish professional body - more than half of its 7,700 Fellows, Members, Associates and Affiliates live and practice medicine outside Scotland, in 86...
(1854-6).
He was among the first physicians to give a detailed description of exophthalmic goitre, currently known as Graves disease (previously called Basedow's syndrome or Begbie's disease). He is also related to the study of Dubini's disease, the old name for myoclonic epidemic encephalitis.
His son James Warburton Begbie was also an eminent physician.
Biography
Begbie was born in EdinburghEdinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
, and educated at the High School and Edinburgh University (MD 1821). One of his instructors was John Abercrombie
John Abercrombie (physician)
John Abercrombie FRSE FRCSE FRCPE was a Scottish physician and philosopher. The Chambers Biographical Dictionary says of him that after Dr James Gregory's death, he was "recognized as the first consulting physician in Scotland".The son of the Reverend George Abercrombie, the minister of East...
(1780-1844). Later on, he also became Abercrombie's assistant.
In 1821, Begbie obtained his medical doctorate from the University of Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university is deeply embedded in the fabric of the city, with many of the buildings in the historic Old Town belonging to the university...
. In 1822, he became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons is a professional qualification to practise as a surgeon in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland...
. In 1847, he also became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians
Royal College of Physicians
The Royal College of Physicians of London was founded in 1518 as the College of Physicians by royal charter of King Henry VIII in 1518 - the first medical institution in England to receive a royal charter...
, and became its president from 1854 up to 1856. For forty years, Begbie was a physician for the Scottish Widow’s Fund and Life Assurance Society.
Begbie died in Edinburgh and was interred at the New Calton Cemetery.
Works
Begbie wrote about important statistical data, the use of arsenic for chronicChronic (medicine)
A chronic disease is a disease or other human health condition that is persistent or long-lasting in nature. The term chronic is usually applied when the course of the disease lasts for more than three months. Common chronic diseases include asthma, cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.In medicine, the...
rheumatism
Rheumatism
Rheumatism or rheumatic disorder is a non-specific term for medical problems affecting the joints and connective tissue. The study of, and therapeutic interventions in, such disorders is called rheumatology.-Terminology:...
, the use of nitric-hydrochloric acid for oxaluria, and the use of potassium bromide
Potassium bromide
Potassium bromide is a salt, widely used as an anticonvulsant and a sedative in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with over-the-counter use extending to 1975 in the United States. Its action is due to the bromide ion...
for nervousness.