Thomas Peter Anderson Stuart
Encyclopedia
Sir Thomas Peter Anderson Stuart (20 June 1856 – 29 February 1920) was a Scottish
-born professor of physiology
, founder of the medical school, University of Sydney
.
, Scotland
, son of Alexander Stuart, a master clothier & tailor, a magistrate and a member of the town council; and his wife Jane, née Anderson. Stuart was educated at Dumfries Academy
until 14 years of age and was then apprenticed to a pharmacist. Stuart soon passed the preliminary examination of the Pharmaceutical Society, and at 16 the minor examination which entitled him to registration as a chemist when he turned 21. Stuart decided to take up medicine, and working early in the morning and at night passed the preliminary examination at the University of Edinburgh
. Stuart spent a year at Wolfenbüttel
, Germany
, studying French and German; in November 1875 Stuart returned to Scotland. Stuart commenced his course at the University of Edinburgh and had one of the most brilliant careers in medicine ever known there.
Stuart was awarded 10 medals and won other prizes and scholarships. During Stuart's course Lister
was bringing in his revolutionary changes in the treatment of surgery cases, and the young student had the opportunity of working under both the old and new methods. Stuart completed his course in 1880, with first-class honours, degrees of M.B., C.M., and the Ettles scholarship. Stuart was asked by Professor William Rutherford to become his chief demonstrator; in preparation for this, made further studies in physiology and chemistry at Strasburg. A year later, Stuart returned to Edinburgh
, took up his duties as demonstrator, and qualified for the degree of M.D.
in 1882. On 21 November 1882 Stuart married Elizabeth (Lizza) Ainslie.
, the University of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
, all nominated Stuart. Stuart was appointed and arrived in Sydney
with his wife aboard the Parramatta in March 1883. The only medical school building was one of four rooms, damp and unplastered, and a curriculum had to be prepared and arrangements made for lecturers, demonstrators and attendants. There were only four students in the first year, but Stuart had the imagination to realize the immense possible development of the school, and was soon working out ideas for a new building. In June 1884 the University had agreed to build a permanent medical school and plans were drawn up by James Barnet
, the government architect. Plans were approved in November 1884, the government allocated £15,000 towards its construction in 1885. In 1889, the building was substantially completed; interior fitting was finalised in 1892. The building is regarded as a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture
The number of students in the medical school had increased from 6 in 1883 to 604 in 1912. Now that the medical building was complete, Stuart was able to focus on other things including in bringing about great improvements in the university grounds. Stuart also prepared a bibliography of scientific literature in the libraries of New South Wales. Stuart was a good judge of men, and among the afterwards distinguished men who acted as demonstrators and lecturers in his department were Sir Alexander McCormick, Professor James Thomas Wilson, Sir James Graham
, Sir Charles James Martin
, Sir Almroth Wright
and Professor Henry George Chapman. When Stuart's chair was divided in 1890 he retained physiology, and Wilson was appointed to the new professorship of anatomy.
and report on Dr Robert Koch's
method of treating tuberculosis
. The resulting report was an extremely able piece of work. Stuartcould not regard the lymph as a successful curative agent, but he recognized that a great field of research had been opened up, which would probably lead to very valuable work being done not only with tuberculosis but with other diseases. During another visit to Europe in 1891, Stuart made further inquiries but could only conclude that the Koch treatment was a failure. On Stuart's return, he was asked to become a member of the board of health; and from 1893-96, was medical adviser to the government and president of the Board of Health, the dual offices carrying a salary of £1030 a year. Some objection was made to Stuart undertaking these positions while still a full-time officer of the University. A public service board having been constituted it ruled that though Stuart was a highly efficient officer he should give his whole time to the government positions. Stuart decided to resign as president, but continued to be a member of the board for the remainder of his life.
. In 1901, Stuart became chairman, and it was largely due to his abilities that this hospital became the largest general hospital in Australia. In 1901, Stuart was responsible for the opening of a department of dentistry at the University. In 1905, Stuart became the inaugural president of the United Dental Hospital of Sydney, in doing so, he had to overcome the opposition of American
-trained dentists led by Henry Peach.
In 1908, Stuart was involved in the founding of the Institute of Tropical Medicine at Townsville
and in 1914, he was created a knight bachelor. Early in 1919, he became ill and an exploratory operation disclosed that his abdominal cancer was hopeless. With great courage, he continued to carry out his work to as late as January 1920, and he died on at his home in Double Bay
on 29 February 1920. Stuart married twice; firstly to Miss Ainslie in 1882 (d. 28 February 1886 from a morphia overdose) and secondly to Miss Dorothy Primrose in 1894. Lady Stuart and their four sons (two of whom later became medical practitioners) survived him. Stuart's portrait by Sir John Longstaff
is at the National Gallery, Sydney. Marble busts of Stuart by James White
are held by the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
and by the University of Sydney.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
-born professor of physiology
Physiology
Physiology is the science of the function of living systems. This includes how organisms, organ systems, organs, cells, and bio-molecules carry out the chemical or physical functions that exist in a living system. The highest honor awarded in physiology is the Nobel Prize in Physiology or...
, founder of the medical school, University of Sydney
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is a public university located in Sydney, New South Wales. The main campus spreads across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the southwestern outskirts of the Sydney CBD. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania...
.
Early life
Stuart was born in DumfriesDumfries
Dumfries is a market town and former royal burgh within the Dumfries and Galloway council area of Scotland. It is near the mouth of the River Nith into the Solway Firth. Dumfries was the county town of the former county of Dumfriesshire. Dumfries is nicknamed Queen of the South...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
, son of Alexander Stuart, a master clothier & tailor, a magistrate and a member of the town council; and his wife Jane, née Anderson. Stuart was educated at Dumfries Academy
Dumfries Academy
Dumfries Academy is one of four secondary schools in the town of Dumfries in South West Scotland.-History:Dumfries Academy has existed in its present form, though not in the buildings it currently occupies, since 1804...
until 14 years of age and was then apprenticed to a pharmacist. Stuart soon passed the preliminary examination of the Pharmaceutical Society, and at 16 the minor examination which entitled him to registration as a chemist when he turned 21. Stuart decided to take up medicine, and working early in the morning and at night passed the preliminary examination at 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...
. Stuart spent a year at Wolfenbüttel
Wolfenbüttel
Wolfenbüttel is a town in Lower Saxony, Germany, located on the Oker river about 13 kilometres south of Brunswick. It is the seat of the District of Wolfenbüttel and of the bishop of the Protestant Lutheran State Church of Brunswick...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, studying French and German; in November 1875 Stuart returned to Scotland. Stuart commenced his course at the University of Edinburgh and had one of the most brilliant careers in medicine ever known there.
Stuart was awarded 10 medals and won other prizes and scholarships. During Stuart's course Lister
Joseph Lister, 1st Baron Lister
Joseph Lister, 1st Baron Lister OM, FRS, PC , known as Sir Joseph Lister, Bt., between 1883 and 1897, was a British surgeon and a pioneer of antiseptic surgery, who promoted the idea of sterile surgery while working at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary...
was bringing in his revolutionary changes in the treatment of surgery cases, and the young student had the opportunity of working under both the old and new methods. Stuart completed his course in 1880, with first-class honours, degrees of M.B., C.M., and the Ettles scholarship. Stuart was asked by Professor William Rutherford to become his chief demonstrator; in preparation for this, made further studies in physiology and chemistry at Strasburg. A year later, Stuart returned to Edinburgh
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...
, took up his duties as demonstrator, and qualified for the degree of M.D.
Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine is a doctoral degree for physicians. The degree is granted by medical schools...
in 1882. On 21 November 1882 Stuart married Elizabeth (Lizza) Ainslie.
University of Sydney
It was decided to institute a medical school at the University of Sydney in 1882 and applications were invited for the chair of anatomy and physiology. Nominations were also requested from competent bodies, and the Royal College of Surgeons, LondonRoyal College of Surgeons of England
The Royal College of Surgeons of England is an independent professional body and registered charity committed to promoting and advancing the highest standards of surgical care for patients, regulating surgery, including dentistry, in England and Wales...
, the University of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is an organisation dedicated to the pursuit of excellence and advancement in surgical practice, through its interest in education, training and examinations, its liaison with external medical bodies and representation of the modern surgical workforce...
, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, is an institute of physicians and surgeons in Glasgow, Scotland.Founded by Peter Lowe after receiving a royal charter by James VI in 1599, as the Glasgow Faculty, this institution originally existed as a regulatory authority to ensure that...
, all nominated Stuart. Stuart was appointed and arrived in Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
with his wife aboard the Parramatta in March 1883. The only medical school building was one of four rooms, damp and unplastered, and a curriculum had to be prepared and arrangements made for lecturers, demonstrators and attendants. There were only four students in the first year, but Stuart had the imagination to realize the immense possible development of the school, and was soon working out ideas for a new building. In June 1884 the University had agreed to build a permanent medical school and plans were drawn up by James Barnet
James Barnet
James Johnstone Barnet was the Colonial Architect for New South Wales from 1862 - 1890.-Life and career:Barnet was born at Almericlose, Arbroath, Scotland. The son of a builder, he was educated at the local high school...
, the government architect. Plans were approved in November 1884, the government allocated £15,000 towards its construction in 1885. In 1889, the building was substantially completed; interior fitting was finalised in 1892. The building is regarded as a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture
Gothic Revival architecture
The Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that began in the 1740s in England...
The number of students in the medical school had increased from 6 in 1883 to 604 in 1912. Now that the medical building was complete, Stuart was able to focus on other things including in bringing about great improvements in the university grounds. Stuart also prepared a bibliography of scientific literature in the libraries of New South Wales. Stuart was a good judge of men, and among the afterwards distinguished men who acted as demonstrators and lecturers in his department were Sir Alexander McCormick, Professor James Thomas Wilson, Sir James Graham
James Graham (physician)
Sir James Graham was a Scottish-born physician and public man, active in Australia, Mayor of Sydney in 1901.Graham was born in Edinburgh, son of Thomas Graham, marble polisher, and his wife Jane, née Square. Graham graduated M.A. at University of Edinburgh in 1879 and M.B. and C.M. in 1882...
, Sir Charles James Martin
Charles James Martin
Charles James Martin, FRS, FRCS was a British scientist who did seminal work on protein denaturation, nutrition, snake toxins and other medical topics...
, Sir Almroth Wright
Almroth Wright
Sir Almroth Edward Wright, KBE, CB was a British bacteriologist and immunologist.He is notable for developing a system of anti-typhoid fever inoculation, recognizing early on that antibiotics would create resistant bacteria and being a strong advocate for preventive medicine.-Biography:Wright was...
and Professor Henry George Chapman. When Stuart's chair was divided in 1890 he retained physiology, and Wilson was appointed to the new professorship of anatomy.
Travel to Europe
In 1890, while on a visit to Europe, Stuart was asked by the government to go to BerlinBerlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
and report on Dr Robert Koch's
Robert Koch
Heinrich Hermann Robert Koch was a German physician. He became famous for isolating Bacillus anthracis , the Tuberculosis bacillus and the Vibrio cholerae and for his development of Koch's postulates....
method of treating tuberculosis
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, MTB, or TB is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body...
. The resulting report was an extremely able piece of work. Stuartcould not regard the lymph as a successful curative agent, but he recognized that a great field of research had been opened up, which would probably lead to very valuable work being done not only with tuberculosis but with other diseases. During another visit to Europe in 1891, Stuart made further inquiries but could only conclude that the Koch treatment was a failure. On Stuart's return, he was asked to become a member of the board of health; and from 1893-96, was medical adviser to the government and president of the Board of Health, the dual offices carrying a salary of £1030 a year. Some objection was made to Stuart undertaking these positions while still a full-time officer of the University. A public service board having been constituted it ruled that though Stuart was a highly efficient officer he should give his whole time to the government positions. Stuart decided to resign as president, but continued to be a member of the board for the remainder of his life.
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and late life
Stuart found time to do some public lecturing and took an active interest in the Royal Prince Alfred HospitalRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital
The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital is a major public teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia, located on Missenden Road in Camperdown...
. In 1901, Stuart became chairman, and it was largely due to his abilities that this hospital became the largest general hospital in Australia. In 1901, Stuart was responsible for the opening of a department of dentistry at the University. In 1905, Stuart became the inaugural president of the United Dental Hospital of Sydney, in doing so, he had to overcome the opposition of American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
-trained dentists led by Henry Peach.
In 1908, Stuart was involved in the founding of the Institute of Tropical Medicine at Townsville
Townsville, Queensland
Townsville is a city on the north-eastern coast of Australia, in the state of Queensland. Adjacent to the central section of the Great Barrier Reef, it is in the dry tropics region of Queensland. Townsville is Australia's largest urban centre north of the Sunshine Coast, with a 2006 census...
and in 1914, he was created a knight bachelor. Early in 1919, he became ill and an exploratory operation disclosed that his abdominal cancer was hopeless. With great courage, he continued to carry out his work to as late as January 1920, and he died on at his home in Double Bay
Double Bay, New South Wales
Double Bay is a harbourside eastern suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Double Bay is located 4 kilometres east of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre of the local government area of the Municipality of Woollahra.Double Bay takes its name...
on 29 February 1920. Stuart married twice; firstly to Miss Ainslie in 1882 (d. 28 February 1886 from a morphia overdose) and secondly to Miss Dorothy Primrose in 1894. Lady Stuart and their four sons (two of whom later became medical practitioners) survived him. Stuart's portrait by Sir John Longstaff
John Longstaff
Sir John Campbell Longstaff was an Australian painter, war artist and a five-time winner of the Archibald Prize. He was a cousin of Will Longstaff, also a painter....
is at the National Gallery, Sydney. Marble busts of Stuart by James White
James White (sculptor)
James White was an Australian sculptor, winner of the Wynne Prize in 1902.White was born in Liverpool, Lancashire, England, the son of Robert White, journeyman shipwright, and his wife Janet, née Dunn. White was apprenticed to a plasterer and studied modelling at South Kensington...
are held by the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital is a major public teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia, located on Missenden Road in Camperdown...
and by the University of Sydney.