History 67 67–75 History 1 Iainmacintyre@Blueyonder

Home , Alexander Monro (primus), David Monro, David Monro (scholar), Donald Monro (physician), James Monro, William Creech

history 67 67–75 History 1 iainmacintyre@blueyonder. 2015; 45: 2015; Edinb Physicians Coll J R http://dx.doi.org/10.4997/JRCPE.2015.116 and Mackenzie’s 1898 Mackenzie’s and I Macintyre to I Correspondence Lygon Road 20 5QB EH16 Edinburgh UK e-mail co.uk 2 3 © 2015 Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh of Physicians of College Royal © 2015

secundus nburgh the Edinburgh of ancestors The Monros sources, two from genealogyThe following is taken genealogy1734 Munro’s Perhaps the best known medical dynasties emerging medical dynasties emerging the best known Perhaps Two and the Beatons. the Monros Scotland are from respectively, dominated, the Monros of branches ‘madness’ in of in Edinburgh and treatment anatomy A third, London during the 18th and 19th centuries. practised branch of the family documented, less well training as bonesetters. without formal their and branches these describes paper This were who medical kindred, Beaton the to relationship the 14th–18th between in Scotland prominent of each of the development for The reasons centuries. briefly these branches into a medical dynasty are explored. . of Fowlis of the Munros William Pulteney Alison (1790–1859), was professor of of was professor (1790–1859), Alison William Pulteney at Edinburgh. Medical Jurisprudence Retired surgeon, Inverness, UK Retired surgeon, Inverness, 2 , emigrated to New Zealand where his descendantshis where Zealand New to emigrated tertius, A Munro 2 anatomy, bonesetters, medical dynasty, mental illness, Monros mental illness, medical dynasty, bonesetters, anatomy, , who between them occupied the university chair of Anatomy at the Anatomy chair of them occupied the university who between tertius, I Macintyre, Retired surgeon, Edinburgh, UK; 1 1 Paper While clusters of doctors from the same family can can the same family While clusters of doctors from has Scotland society, every in be found probably particularlysome dynasties. medical notable produced –Benjamin Bell generations of the Bell family Successive grandson his (1786–1848), Joseph son his (1749–1806), Joseph Benjamin (1810–1883) and his great-grandson Edinburgh surgeons and each was (1837–1911) – were Surgeons of College Royal the of president or deacon dynasty, medical this of progenitor The Edinburgh. of the became what established senior, Bell Benjamin busiest surgical practice in Scotland and this was generations, to the succeeding three handed down hospital appointments. along with various lucrative in succession dynastic of example good Another James Gregory family. Scottish medicine is the Gregory (1674–1733) held the chair of medicine at King’s (1707– as did his elder son James Aberdeen, College and the (1724–1773), son John 1755) and his younger on to hold the chair of medicine in latter went son James (1753–1821) The latter’s Edinburgh. grandson, one while chair that in him succeeded medicine of chair a held (1803–1858), Gregory William another, and chemistrythen Edinburgh, in Aberdeen, in ion Introduct and son of Monro, Dr David 1720. from 126 years for of Edinburgh University Monro Alexander From origins in their heartlands in Easter Ross, clan Munro produced produced clan Munro in their heartlands origins in Easter Ross, ABSTRACT From Munro, Hugh from descended all dynasties, medical distinct three than fewer no whatdescribes paper This clan. the of chief 12th (c1352–1425), Foulis Baron 9th influential which were medical dynasties related of to be a unique family believe we family It sets out in detail the London and the Scottish Highlands. in Edinburgh, for reasons the explores and information, biographical some provides genealogy, each for to be different appear which such medical dynasties, of the development this family. dynasties within of the three primus, Alexanders Monro, included the three ‘Edinburgh Monros’ The Monros’ ‘Bedlam The in 2013. the last of whom died doctors, included several the illness in London for in managing mental and some notoriety, fame, achieved theirpractised Munros’ ‘Bonesetter the contrast, In 1728–1882. from years 154 from and one of them attracted patients in Ross-shire skills in the local community the startof the from 100 years over for trade practised their They Britain. all over 20th century. 19th to the early Keywords declared interest conflict of No ion of Interests Declarat The Monros – three medical dynasties with a with dynasties medical – three Monros The origin common I Macintyre, A Munro

Hugh Munro (c1352–1425) 9th of Foulis

George Munro (†1452) 10th of Foulis John Monro 1st of Milntown (Delny) (†1475) John Munro (1437–1490) 11th of Foulis Andrew Mor Monro (1440–1501) William Munro (†1505) 12th of Foulis Andrew Beg Monro (†1522) Hector Munro (1492–1541) 13th of Foulis George Monro (1522–1576) Robert Munro (1518–1547) 14th of Foulis Rev George Monro (1552–1630) Hector Munro 1st of Fyrish and Contullich Rev George Monro (1577–1642) John Munro (c1567–1640) 1st of Fyrish Sir Alexander Monro (1629–1704) Hugh Munro (c1617–1668) 4th of Fyrish John Monro (1670–1740) (surgeon) Rev Alexander Monro (1648–1698) 7th of Fyrish Prof Alexander Monro primus (1697–1767) Dr James Monro (1680–1752) 8th of Fyrish Prof Alexander Monro secundus (1733–1817) Dr John Monro (1715–1791) 9th of Fyrish Prof Alexander Monro tertius (1773–1859) Dr Thomas Monro (1759–1833) Dr David Monro (1813–1877) (emigrated to New Zealand) Dr Edward Thomas Monro (1790–1856) Dr Henry Monro (1817–1891)

Figure 1 Genealogy of the Bedlam Monros (doctors shown in italics) and the Edinburgh Monros (doctors shown in bold)

Hugh Munro, (c1352–1425) the 9th Baron Foulis, was the Black Isle. His son, also Rev George Munro (1577– the earliest common ancestor of the various Munros 1642), inherited his father’s charge as minister of the and Monros considered here (Figure 1). He was the 12th small community of Suddie on the Black Isle. His second chief of the Clan Munro whose seat was Foulis Castle in son, Alexander Monro (1629–1704) of Bearcrofts, was Ross-shire, which remains home to the chief of the Clan knighted for his service in the army and made Munro. Although he is traditionally the 9th Baron and Commissioner of Stirling.4 He bought the estate of 12th overall chief of the clan, he is only the 2nd Munro Auchinbowie, just outside Stirling, and served as MP for chief that can be proved by contemporary evidence.2 the County of Stirling. Sir Alexander Monro’s son John Monro (1670–1740) became a surgeon, the first of the His son, John Monro (d 1475), was notable for leading ‘Edinburgh Monros’.2-4 the clan at the Battle of Clachnaharry (1454), just outside Inverness. He acquired lands at Milntown and Monros of Auchenbowie – ‘The Delny, near Invergordon in present day Easter Ross, and Edinburgh Monros’ became 1st of Milntown. According to MacKenzie he was the first to use the Monro spelling of the surname.3 John Monro (1670–1740) was the first doctor in this line of the family (Figure 1).4,5 A career in medicine at John was succeeded by his eldest son, Andrew Mor this time was becoming increasingly acceptable for the Monro (1440–1501), 2nd of Milntown; ‘a bold, austere, sons of the landed gentry who could afford to provide and gallant gentleman, esteemed by his friends, and a financial support during training. Monro was apprenticed terror to his enemies.’3 Andrew Beg [small or son of] to the surgeon William Borthwick of Pilmuir (1641–89) Monro (d 1522), 3rd of Milntown, his son, acquired who was the first in the Edinburgh Incorporation of more land by crown charter and was given the office of Surgeons to have an international perspective, having chief steward of the Earldom of Ross. Further patronage studied in Padua in Italy and Leiden in Holland. His in 1512 from James IV of Scotland resulted in even more Leiden education and his appointment in 1679 as land and he became known as ‘Black Andrew of the Chirurgeon Major to the Army in Scotland, both seven castles’, as he reputedly had a castle on each of his influenced his young apprentice.6,7 Monro also studied seven estates and was noted for his ferocious temper. medicine in Leiden and returned fired with ambition to replicate its university medical school and associated He was followed by his son, George Monro (1522– teaching hospital in Edinburgh, the first of its kind in the 1576), 4th of Milntown, who was appointed by Mary, British Isles. John Monro became deacon (president) of Queen of Scots as her bailie and chamberlain for the the Incorporation of Surgeons, a member of the royal lands of Ross and the Black Isle. Continuing to Edinburgh Town Council and deacon of the Edinburgh enjoy royal patronage, his son, Rev George Munro Convenerie of Trades, positions which gave him the (1552–1630), 1st of Pitlundie, was given the lucrative political power to fulfil his ambition to establish the position of Chancellor of Ross by King James VI in 1571, new medical school.5 Monro and his political ally, history which supplemented his stipend as a parish minister. As Provost Drummond, built on the foundation laid by a result, he was able to acquire the Pitlundie Estate on Robert Sibbald and the recently established Royal

27 24,25 21-23 69 had had 20 the Leith surgeon, surgeon, Leith the

He laid the groundwork groundwork He laid the 26 James’s younger brother brother younger James’s 18,19 13 The shortage of bodies for shortageThe for bodies of 29 . He Medical Essays and Observations. an anomaly which caused dissatisfaction which caused an anomaly ’ son, James Monro (1806–1870), (1806–1870), Monro James son, ’ Charles Darwin, who attended these these attended who Darwin, Charles was a practising physician and and secundus was a practising physician followed the family tradition by tradition by the family secundus followed 28 tertius The Monros – three medical dynasties with a common origin a common with dynasties medical – three Monros The for another hypothesis which bears his name, the the name, his bears which hypothesis another for Kellie, George doctrine. Monro-Kellie physician, Edinburgh the Abercrombie, John and dissection made his teaching even less satisfactoryless and even teaching his made dissection Drs of the lectures to moving students led to many the where school, extra-mural the in Knox and Barclay student every guarantee of human dissection for latter’s The death of Monro scandal. and Hare led to the Burke anatomical dynasty, tertius to an end the Monro brought in Anatomy who among them had held the chair of 126 years. Edinburgh for Monro Edinburgh and pursued a career graduated MD from becoming a surgeon-major in as a military surgeon, Guards. the Coldstream Alexander Alexander tertius should that his son arranging 54 years in 1808, retired succeed him when he finally after his appointment. tertiusAlexander Monro (1773–1859) did not inherit the teaching skills of his father or his grandfather. lectures as an undergraduate, summed up student summed up student as an undergraduate, lectures as on human anatomy ‘He made his lectures opinion. himself’.was he as dull Although a prolific writer, his textbooks did not sell and and sell not did his textbooks writer, prolific a Although were seen as old fashioned and were his lectures unpopular. Alexander he was surgeon, a as practised he never although on insisted and Surgery, and Anatomy of professor teaching surgery, establishment the to led and surgeons the local among enthusiastic an he was his father Like surgery. chair of a of Hume) of the Philosophical secretary with David (jointly of editor Society and of vaccination and influential advocate was an early smallpox. against having (1727–1802), Monro Donald brother, elder His perhaps London, for left Edinburgh, in MD graduated He Alexander. path clear for the career to leave to St physician to the army, became Physician-General Society. of the Royal Hospital and a Fellow George’s Observations on the Means His book on military health, advocated of Preserving of Soldiers Health the , and and sanitation in military hygiene improvements became a classic of its kind. both been taught by Monro and held him in great and held him in great Monro by both been taught who then collaborated withKellie, Monro esteem. post-mortemwhile studies from defined the doctrine the experimental for responsible was largely Abercrombie the world. around its promotion for and confirmation foramen of Monro, the communication between the the between the communication of Monro, foramen ventricles. and lateral third

His His and and 5 10 ran to ran to 8

15 67–75 and went on to become one went and 13 11 nor the first to describe the nor the first to describe the Three Treatises on the Brain, the Eye, Eye, the Brain, the on Treatises Three 2015; 45: 2015; , prepared his son Alexander son his prepared primus, pursued further anatomy studies in studies further pursued anatomy 12,18 Comrie, a later historian, considered considered a later historian, Comrie, and 14 (1733–1817) to be his natural successor (1733–1817) to be his natural successor 16 Yet for all his skill as a teacher and author, all his skill as a teacher and author, for Yet 17 Secundus the year before he graduated MD from MD from he graduated before the year 12 a major innovation and regarded as the first first the as regarded and innovation major a 9 secundus Observations and Function of the on the Structure J R Coll Physicians Edinb Coll Physicians J R © 2015 RCPE controversy remains about the originality of some of about the originality of some of remains controversy seems clear It now attributed to him. the discoveries that he was not the first to describe the function of the system, lymphatic Edinburgh. Edinburgh. Leiden and Berlin London, that he even outshone his father. ‘The second Monro’ he Monro’ ‘The second his father. outshone he even that both as a man, the greater himself ‘showed wrote brilliant colleagues more Among investigator. and teacher he compete, to with whom his father had those than acknowledged the was equality and easy an maintained medical school’. the developing of head as a major figure of the of the primus as a major figure established Monro Scottish Enlightenment. Having seen the new medical school successfully medical school successfully new seen the Having Monro established, Monro of joint Professor at the age of 21, him, appointing by Anatomy College of Physicians of Edinburgh. He arranged that his that his He arranged of Edinburgh. Physicians College of medical a have should (1697–1767) Alexander son to him allow would which training and education venture. in this new and leader become a professor primus Alexander Monro all concerned, for Fortunately (1697–1767) had the intellectual and leadership qualities intellectual and leadership qualities (1697–1767) had the education in Edinburgh, Following to fill this role. of Professor appointed was he Paris, and London 1720, of Edinburgh in University at the Anatomy in the 1725, from Hall and, teaching at first in Surgeons’ conscientious and a He was diligent, building. University of attraction added the with and, lecturer gifted was soon attracting rather than Latin, lecturing in English Britain. all over of students from large numbers In the spirit of the Enlightenment, he conducted animal he conducted animal In the spirit of the Enlightenment, and the on the nervous mainly system, experiments, of his most successful in two included were results books NervousSystem of the most influential anatomy teachers in the English teachers influential anatomy of the most Benjamin Rush, American student, His world. speaking most to perhaps, superior, is he ‘In anatomy that wrote men in Europe’. regular medical journal in Britain and one of the first in in Britain and one of the first in medical journal regular of medical advances from It contained news the world. was It reviews. book and reports case Europe, over all peer review also the first journal to introduce 11 editions and was translated into several European European several 11 editions and was translated into other major contributions included Monro’s languages. of the Improvement of the Society for the foundation Society of of the Royal (forerunner Medical Knowledge behind force the moving He was also Edinburgh). the journal of that Medical Essays and Observations, society, The Anatomy of the Human Bones Anatomy The opus magnum and the Ear. I Macintyre, A Munro

David Monro (1813–1877) was to continue the medical father at the Bridewell and Bethlem. He also inherited dynasty in New Zealand.30 from his father the private asylum Brooke House, which his father had run in Clapton, and he too was Monros in London – ‘The Bedlam Monros’ invited to give an opinion on the madness of George III.35 These Monros were also descended from Hugh Monro, Like his father and grandfather, he was regarded as an the 9th Baron, through his elder son George (10th of authority on madness because of his Bethlem Foulis), whose descendants were to become Monros of appointment rather than his writing on the subject. Like Fyrish, an estate adjacent to Foulis. his forebears he wrote little about madness. Rather he is remembered for his attitude to the treatment of Dr James Monro (1680–1752) 8th of Fyrish, a madness which emerged from his evidence at a descendant, ten generations on, of Hugh Munro, the 9th parliamentary enquiry into abuse of patients at the baron, (Figure 1) was an almost exact contemporary of Bethlem.36 He regarded restraint by chains appropriate his distant cousin, the Edinburgh surgeon John Monro for the ‘mad poor’ in the Bethlem, but did not allow it described above.3 James was the son of the Rev in Brooke House because, he reasoned, ‘if a gentleman Alexander Monro (d1698), 7th of Fyrish, who became were put in chains he would not like it.’37 He was Principal of Edinburgh University before moving to accused of ‘wanting in humanity’ and his treatment was London.31 James graduated from Balliol College, Oxford, variously described as old fashioned, ‘cruel’ and ‘useless’. and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians These allegations were publicised in the Third Report of London (FRCP). In 1728 he was appointed physician from the Committee on Madhouses in England and Monro to Bethlem (or ‘Bedlam’) England’s oldest, and until the resigned his Bethlem post, then retired from medicine early 18th century, only public hospital for the insane. and indulged himself in his true passion: fine art. He is He was the first of four generations of his family to widely regarded as a founder of the British school of hold this office. The post of physician was largely an water-colourists, and JMW Turner was among the many honorary one which carried a small salary and required artists whom he supported and encouraged.35 only occasional visits. Although he did not write on the treatment of mental illness, he enjoyed fame and status Despite his resignation from the Bethlem under a through his Bethlem appointment and acquired a large shadow, he was able to ensure that his son, Edward private practice.32,33 Thomas Monro (1790–1856), succeeded in the family tradition of appointment as physician to the Bethlem in James’s son, John Monro (1715–1791), after prolonged 1816. Edward Thomas pursued the well-trodden family studies at St John’s College, Oxford, and in Edinburgh path, graduating MD from Oriel College, Oxford, and Leiden, graduated MD from Oxford in 1747. He becoming a FRCP and progressing to Censor and was appointed joint physician to the Bethlem alongside Treasurer of the RCP.32 Under his charge, conditions at his father, becoming sole physician from 1752. Although the Bethlem changed for the better, with one visitor in his approach to mental illness could be conservative, 1844 describing an atmosphere of ‘humanity and Monro presided over many of the Bethlem reforms of benevolence’.38 While his three forebears offered the 1760s and wrote that ‘care…depends on neither refuge, nor cure, nor comfort, Edward Thomas management as much as medicine’. As the foremost at least tried to offer the latter. doctor treating insanity he was asked to assess many prominent people including King George III during his Edward’s son, Henry Monro (1817–1891), represented first bout of ‘madness’.34 the fifth and final generation to serve as a physician treating mental illness. He too took the traditional Monro emulated his father in three respects: he built up family career pathway of education at Harrow and a a large private practice, running the private asylum medical degree from Oxford, election as a FRCP and Brooke House, which allowed him to indulge his hobby service as RCP Censor.3 Henry, however, broke with as a connoisseur and a patron of literature and fine art; family tradition in two ways: he was appointed physician he wrote virtually nothing about the treatment of to St Luke’s Hospital, for long the rival of the Bethlem, mental illness; and, as his father had done for him, he and he was the first of the dynasty to write several arranged that his son Thomas should succeed him in the papers and a major work on mental illness – Remarks nepotistic tradition which bore an uncanny resemblance on Insanity.39 Like all his forebears he had a large private to that of their cousins, the Edinburgh anatomists.32 practice, having inherited Brooke House in Clapton.40 While regarded as a reformer at St Luke’s, his treatment After schooling at Harrow, Thomas Monro (1759– of private patients came in for a volley of criticism 1833), graduated MD from Oxford in 1787 and was reminiscent of that directed against his grandfather, history elected FRCP. He followed the now familiar career with Brooke House described as ‘old-fashioned and pathway with appointment as assistant physician to his dilapidated’. Yet he is credited with founding, in the

42 71 –1836) –1911) †1756) †1790) Hugh Munro (6th son)

George Munro ( Iain Mor Munro ( 3,45 Robert Munro (1774 Donald Munro (1824 1425) 9th of Foulis –1425) 9th of –68) 4th of Fyrish –77) –98) –1920)

45 As the Beaton dynasty went into into As the Beaton dynasty went 42 Hugh Munro (c1352 Hugh Munro (c1617 Hugh Munro ‘Bonesetter Munro’ genealogy. The three The three genealogy. Munro’ ‘Bonesetter John Munro (1805 7th of Fyrish ‘Bedlam Monros’ Catherine Munro Isabella Munro Dr Robert Munro (1835 Rev Alexander Monro (1648 Figure 2 Figure in blue shown are the doctor and bonesetters The Monros – three medical dynasties with a common origin a common with dynasties medical – three Monros The decline as a result of the fading influence of the clan the fading influence of the clan of decline as a result the Monro apprenticeships, system and very lengthy trained by whose doctors were medical dynasties, beginning were at university, or apprenticeship formal the where London, in and Edinburgh in develop to Beaton the of feature prominent a such nepotism, within the Monro soon became prevalent dynasty, medical dynasties. Robert Munro (1774–1836), son of Ian Mor Munro son of Ian Mor Munro (1774–1836), Robert Munro the on Knockancuirn, at farmer tenant a was (d1790), as a known who became widely estate, Foulis the in demand great in were skills His bonesetter. of Easter Ross and communities farming productive to setting bone in addition the Black Isle where, in treating been involved have he would fractures, a variety of manipulation for backache and performing Robert died in 1836 conditions. common chronic on and he was succeeded as tenant typhus fever from son John. his oldest the farm by works of European medicine translated into Gaelic. European of works rn – in Knockancuirn – Munros/Monros ‘The Bonesetter Munros’ ‘Bedlam’ Monros, the like were, The Bonesetter Munros 2) (Figure 4th of Fyrish, Hugh Munro, descended from by tacksmen (senior tenants) of farms owned and were information The Munro. Clan of chiefs the relatives, their the from is taken about these ’Bonesetter Munros’ papers. Ferindonald During the late 17th century 18th the early and century as the increasingly their influence began to fade doctors trained anglicised clan chiefs began to appoint university new the in or apprenticeship formal by medical schools. Bannerman identified Bannerman identified 42 Neil Beaton’s sons and sons and Neil Beaton’s 44 67–75 2015; 45: 2015; 41 In 1615 Angus is described as ‘the late Angus Angus ‘the late Angus is described as In 1615 In nearby Delny a related branch of the branch of the a related Delny In nearby 39 Most of the physicians were based in island based in island were physicians of the Most 43,44 43 J R Coll Physicians Edinb Coll Physicians J R © 2015 RCPE Beatune alias Leich’ when Robert Dubh Munro, the the Beatune alias Leich’ when Robert Dubh Munro, Ross-shire in Culnaskea of lands granted Foulis, of 19th ‘who Neil Beaton and his male heirs nephew Angus’s to shall be expert in surgery’. communities on Islay, Mull, Skye, the Uists and mainland mainland and Uists the Skye, Mull, Islay, on communities also know but we serving clans, Argyllshire powerful with Clan Munro something of their close associations By Delny. at and Foulis both at Highlands, eastern the in of Robert Mor Munro 1557, chartera June 16 dated the lands granted and confirmed the 15th Baron, Foulis, life in very Castle at Foulis, close to the Culnaskea, of a Leych, Angus Leych’. cousin and servitor‘his to rent a as here used is doctor, meaning Leich of derivative were names occupational when time a at surname by In 1591 a tack of land was given often used as such. Annas to Neill Og Leitche and his wife Hector Munro service‘the all in craft leitche of cure and for return in pointis.’ grandson continued as physicians to the Munros of of to the Munros as physicians grandson continued in to the Munros returned until the lands were Foulis 1734. ed – linked eatons the B and The Monros ies medical dynast medical Although the Beaton and the Munro/Monro the link documented, both been well dynasties have The Beatons/ known. them is not widely between who served a medical family as doctors Bethunes were to and Scots of Kings the to Isles, the of Lords the to some of the larger Scottish clans. Henry’s death in 1891 marked the end of a dynasty of the end of a dynasty of marked death in 1891 Henry’s were They London. in madness treated who doctors longer than even (1728–1882), 154 years, for involved held cousins distant their which for period year 126 the in Edinburgh Anatomy the chair of spirit of Victorian philanthropy, the House of Charity, a a the House of Charity, Victorian philanthropy, spirit of he which in Soho Square, the destitute home for was tradition he In the family supported 40 years. for The an art amateur artist. collector and a competent portraits and his father which he painted of himself Alexander, to the RCP to join those of presented were John and Thomas. Beaton family served as physicians to the Munros of of Munros the to served physicians as family Beaton Angus Beaton was thought 1615; around from Milntown practicing medicine in Easter Ross at to be actively least until 1650. between relationship physician/patient the to addition In to the Munro their marriages the Beatons and Munros, closer even an into Beatons the brought hierarchy provided Beatons The landlords. their with alliance centuries, several in the Highlands for medical care of the great using both the oral tradition and many 76 such Beaton/Bethune physicians between 1300 and 1300 and between Beaton/Bethune physicians 76 such 1750. I Macintyre, A Munro

John Munro (1805–1877) inherited healing skills from Hugh Monro (c1352–1425) 9th of Foulis his father. Alexander McKenzie, the historian of the Munro clan, records that ‘he was a famous bonesetter Alexander Monro Secundus (1733–1817) Donald Monro and his services in that direction were much sought (1727–1802) 3,45 after.’ John died, unmarried, in 1877 and was succeeded David Monro Alexander Monro tertius (1773–1859) both in the farm and in the bonesetting practice by his brother Donald. Alexander = Harriet Monro James Monro Sir David Monro Binning Monro (1806–70) (1813–77) Donald Munro (1824–1911) became famous throughout the north of Scotland and beyond, attracting patients George Monro from John o’Groats to Plymouth. He is reputed never Alexander Monro Alexander Monro to have charged a fee for his efforts, choosing instead to live off the proceeds of his farm. Donald rented a Alexander E George Monro Neil Monro room once a month in a Dingwall hotel on ‘sale’ days Monro (1865–1935) P A G Monro James Monro so that the farming community at the market could Charles J Monro (1919–2005) (b. 1955) attend his clinics. (1851–1933)

He was held in such high esteem that that he received David C Monro John S Monro Hector M Monro many handsome testimonials. In 1895 ‘hundreds’ of (1886–1960) (1893–1971) (1895–1986) subscribers contributed to the purchase of a pony, trap Paul A Monro and harness, while in 1909 he was presented with a fur (1928–2013) coat and a cheque. Donald Munro died in 1911 and, as he had no offspring, the bonesetting skills which were Figure 3 The later Monros. Doctors in blue practised for around 100 years at Knockancuirn died with him.3,45 in medical practice in Edinburgh. He emigrated to A close relative of the bonesetting Munros, and great New Zealand in 1841 and became one of the original grandson of Iain Mor Munro, Dr Robert Munro (1835– settlers in Nelson where, in addition to practising as a 1920) was born in the same parish as his bonesetting doctor, he became a farmer and subsequently a relatives. He qualified as a doctor in Edinburgh and politician. He became a spokesman for the Nelson entered general practice in Kilmarnock, where he settlers and in 1853 was elected to the House of became a keen amateur archaeologist. When the Representatives, becoming its Speaker eight years nearby Lochlea crannog (a 1st century manmade later. Monro was knighted in 1866.30,51 Sir David’s son, island) was discovered, he was asked to superintend the Charles Monro, arguably made an even greater mark excavation and preserve whatever relics were on his adopted country than his father had done. discovered.46 His hobby became a consuming interest and eventually he gave up medicine to concentrate on Charles John Monro (1851–1933) was not a doctor archaeology/ anthropology. but is remembered as the founder of Rugby Union football in New Zealand. In January 1870 Charles In 1882 he published Ancient Scottish Lake Dwellings47 to Monro returned home to Nelson from school in great acclaim and travelled widely to study lake England and suggested that the local football club dwellings. He was awarded honorary degrees by switched from association to rugby union football Edinburgh and St Andrews universities and was under his tuition. He organised the first game later honoured by many foreign learned societies. An annual that year with Nelson Football Club playing Nelson lectureship which he endowed at Edinburgh University College and he inevitably played a key role.52 Rugby in 1910, the Munro Lectures on Anthropology and came to be New Zealand’s greatest sport and one in Archaeology, recently celebrated its centenary.48 Lake which they have dominated the world for over a Dwellings after Robert Munro explored the context of his century. A memorial to him was unveiled by his work49 and he is now recognised as one of the major grandchildren at Massey University in 201153 and a international pioneers in anthropology/archaeology.50 statue of him as the ‘father of New Zealand rugby’ unveiled that year outside the rugby museum in The later Monros Palmerston North.54 Sir David Monro (1813–1877) was born in Edinburgh, His son, David Carmichael Monro (1886–1960), the seventh of twelve children of Alexander Monro returned to the family tradition of medicine, as did two history tertius (Figure 3). Having graduated MD in 1835, he of his brothers. He was educated at Wellington College, embarked on a grand tour of Europe, before setting up before going to Edinburgh to study medicine, where he

72 J R Coll Physicians Edinb 2015; 45: 67–75 © 2015 RCPE history 73 (1906–1984) (b. 1946) –1872) Alexander K Monro (1865–1958) John Kirkpatrick Monro John Kirkpatrick Monro Thomas Kirkpatrick Monro Thomas Kirkpatrick Monro 93) (1907– Andrew Killey Monro William Monro (1828–1902) William Monro Donald (Daniel) Monro (c1798 Donald (Daniel) A fourth Monro medical dynasty. Doctors are are Doctors medical dynasty. A fourth Monro 93) 2013) (1869–1941) (1903– (1939– James Monro James Donald Rae Monro James Donald Rae Monro John Kirkpatrick Monro Figure 4 Figure in blue shown The Monros – three medical dynasties with a common origin a common with dynasties medical – three Monros The academic tradition, which could be done by arranging arranging could be done by which academic tradition, the For a son. the best possible medical education for a further element was the legacy of the Bedlam Monros private the of charge in Being business. family lucrative Both training in ’mad doctoring’. asylum required family of either as beneficiaries families could be regarded they yet and tradition family simply or nepotism was an accepted, patronage practised in an age where aspect of medical practice. and in some cases essential, passed whose skills were The Bonesetter Monros, of the ancient representative more are the family, down were many Monros, the Like medicine. of tradition oral and accepted within rural communities well farmers, practised into the 20th century. many of the as the progenitor Monro John consider If we have in the Edinburgh line then there medical Monros with the exception of been eight generations which, remarkable a doctors; produced have sixth, the dynastic tradition. Footnote medical Monro another yet of aware now are We Monro the descendants of Donald (aka Daniel) dynasty; Arbroath blacksmith/veterinary surgeon, (1798–1872), (1828–1902) was a William Monro His son 4). (Figure James grandson, one while Arbroath, in physician was a surgeon in East (1869–1941), Donald Rae Monro Thomas Kirkpatrick Monro and another, Finchley of Medicine in Glasgow. was Professor (1865–1958), Kirkpatrick surgeons – John were great-grandsons Two Singapore of Surgery, Professor (1903–1993), Monro a surgeon in (1907–1993), Monro Killey Andrew and of the next generation Two London and Southend. cardiac a (1939–2013), Monro James doctors. became Kirkpatrick Monro surgeon in Southampton and John The Zealand. a general practitioner in New (b1946), and William Monro Monro, of Donald (Daniel) parents but been traced back to Easter Ross, have Janet Ross, Monros to them link to unable been have we yet as described in this article.

58 67–75 Sir Heneage Ogilvie, who who Ogilvie, Heneage Sir He joined the Royal Army Army the Royal He joined 55 6,56 2015; 45: 2015; 59 57 J R Coll Physicians Edinb Coll Physicians J R © 2015 RCPE succeeded him as consultant surgeon to the Middle consultant surgeon to the Middle succeeded him as ‘the father of the field him as described East forces, surgical units.’ Medical Corps (RAMC), serving the during France in (RAMC), Corps Medical posting to Edinburgh a for He asked War. World First to He rose obtained the FRCSEd in 1934. he where of Military Surgerybecome Professor at the RAMC he War World During the Second Millbank. College, Africa and service East and North in the Middle saw advanced of partleading a took introduction the in units. surgical field mobile Conclusions of family and facilitating the advancement Favouring history members has been common throughout and been a common factor in the to have this appears dynasty Monro Edinburgh The here. considered families its better and continue to motivated seemed also A further descendant of the Edinburgh Monros, Dr Dr A furtherEdinburgh Monros, the of descendant studied at Oxford who was born in 1955, James Monro, and at the London Hospital and became a GP in 1988–2012. Somerset from David Carmichael Monro had two younger brothers brothers younger had two Monro Carmichael David these, of the younger medicine; into went who also Zealand New a was Monro (Peter) MacDonald Hector a became and in 1924 qualified FRCSEd who graduate country respected in Fielding near Palmerston doctor Stuart (‘Jack’) Monro John His elder brother North. Edinburgh of the University from (1893–1971) graduated North. in Palmerston surgeon an ENT as worked and who (1928–2013), Alexander Monro Paul son, Peter’s Zealand in 1957 became a general graduated in New days just four death in 2013, His practitioner in Fielding. of the the passing marked his 85th birthday, before Zealand. medical dynasty in New Monro would later describe his embarrassment at being being at embarrassment later describe his would of a descendant classmates as fellow his to introduced dynasty. Monro the famous Another descendant of the Edinburgh line, Dr George Dr George line, Another descendant of the Edinburgh University Andrews St at studied (1865–1935), Monro was He Edinburgh. at studies medical his completed and for he worked to China where a GP who later moved the and then became doctor for an insurance company also studied His nephew Authority in Shanghai. Port Monro Dr PAG medicine and became an anatomist. of at the University taught anatomy (1919–2005), and on microcirculation published research Cambridge, of velocity the measuring for technique a developed the He conceived blood cells in microcirculation. red Society in 1963, idea of the British Microcirculation organised its first meeting and served as its Secretary almost 20 years. for I Macintyre, A Munro

Acknowledgements Correction

We are pleased to acknowledge help from Marianne The following changes have been made to this paper after online Smith and Stephen Kerr, Librarians, Royal College of publication (30/3/15) and print publication (30/3/15): Surgeons of Edinburgh; Norma MacLeod of Skye Roots; Hector Munro of Foulis; Alastair Gaisford; Wyn Beasley; p72, column 2, line 11, ‘Charles James Monro’ has been changed to Hamish Monro; Sophia Stanworth; James Monro and ‘Charles John Monro’. John Kirkpatrick Monro. p74, Acknowledgements, ‘Alastair Gainsford’ has been changed to ‘Alastair Gaisford’. References

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54 55 56 57 58 59 The Monros – three medical dynasties with a common origin a common with dynasties medical – three Monros The , updated , Events 67–75 2015; 45: 2015; The Victorian Great Hall, galleried New Library galleried New Hall, Victorian Great The The modern Conference Centre seats up to 300 people Centre The modern Conference Ancient Scottish lake-dwellings or Crannogs, with a a with Crannogs, or lake-dwellings Scottish Ancient R. Munro supplementary. in England chapterlake-dwellings of on remains 1882. Douglas; David Edinburgh: 2010. Edinburgh; of University CentenaryMunro Committee. http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/humanities-soc-sci/ (accessed committees/munro-lectureship-committee/publication 18/2/2015). Leiden: RobertAfter . Munro Dwellings Lake Sanders J. MS, Midgley 2012. Press; Sidestone Seminar. International Trust Munro Europe: of The Lake-Dwellings (accessed http://www.socantscot.org/article.asp?aid=1173 2010. 21/2/2014). Dictionary Zealand of New In: Monro. David Wright-St Clair RE. Encyclopedia the - Ara Zealand New of Te Biography 30/10/2012. 1870–1948. History Football Rugby Zealand of New AC. Swan 1945. Reed; Wellington: University, Massey founder. rugby to legacy lasting University’s http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/about-massey/news/ Auckland. article.cfm?mnarticle_uuid=8DAC1857-EB81-12D9-EF2E- 18/2/2015). C7F4C0C6711A (accessed Conferencing and in raked seating and is complemented by breakout rooms seating from seating from rooms breakout and is complemented by seating in raked system and video conferencing. voting a keypad 10 to 150 people, and receptions weddings a stunning setting for The College provides Discounts are ceremonies. both civil and religious and is licensed for charities. and medical conferences and Members, Fellows for available and the dinners and settings for wonderful Georgian Cullen Suite are receptions. The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh has a unique blend College of Physicians The Royal conference, your location for the perfect providing of rooms meeting or event.

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