Collection of James Wharburton Begbie

James Warburton Begbie was born in Edinburgh, the second son of the physician James Begbie and Elizabeth Speirs. He was educated at the Edinburgh Academy before becoming a medical student at the University of Edinburgh in 1843. During his time at university he was twice president of the Royal Medical Society, a prestigious student society. In 1847 he graduated MD and following this studied at Paris as well as undertaking a European tour accompanied by only son of John Hope, Lord Justice Clerk of Scotland. By 1852 Begbie had settled in Edinburgh where he worked as a family practitioner and became one of the medical officers attached to the New Town Dispensary. In the same year Begbie became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. In 1854 he became physician to Edinburgh’s cholera hospital and the following year he took up a ten year position as physician to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he also delivered clinical lectures. Further to this, by efficient use of the railway system, Begbie developed the largest consulting practice in the country. Overall, Begbie’s interests appear to have been centred around his practical teaching and work as a physician rather than on formal lecturing. Contents: Certificates of James Wharburton Begbie 1847-1894

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