Dr James Barry (1789–1865): the Edinburgh Years

Dr James Barry (1789–1865): the Edinburgh years

HM du Preez Consultant Urological Surgeon (Retired)

ABSTRACT Dr James Barry, a surgeon in the British Army from 1813 until his Correspondence to HM du Preez, retirement in 1859, became famous after his death following the revelation that he The Dower House, 12 Price Drive, was in fact a woman who had masqueraded as a man for no less than 56 years. This Constantia 7806, South Africa paper reviews Margaret Bulkley’s student years at the University of Edinburgh from Tel +27 21 794 1843 the time of her adoption of the identity of the youth calling himself James Barry. e-mail [email protected] The deception was perpetrated in order to obtain a medical degree and the three year MD curriculum was completed without discovery. Few facts are known about these years (1809–1812) and the work of Lisa Rosner has been invaluable as a source of prosopographical information to apply to our knowledge of James Barry’s experiences during his time at Edinburgh. Contemporary letters and an Army document also assist in developing this unique and extraordinary story, revealing much that was previously unknown as well as some data, which in earlier work were incorrectly reported.

Keywords Dr James Barry, medical history, Edinburgh medical faculty nineteenth century, British Army, female-to-male transgenderism

Declarations of Interests No conflicts of interest declared.

In December 1809, a smooth-faced youth named James Barry matriculated as a medical and literary student at the University of Edinburgh, one of around 900 medical students who attended classes in the city at that time.1 There appeared to be nothing strange or remarkable about him, apart from the fact that he might have appeared rather younger than usual, although this in itself would not have aroused too much comment, as medical students registered from the age of about 162 and it is not unusual for some 16-year-old youths to appear young for their age.2

However there was something exceptional about James Barry, in that he was not a youth, but a young woman already 20 years old. Barry’s enrolment as a student in December 1809 marked the start of one of the longest Figure 1 Dr James Barry (1789–1865). Painted at deceptions of gender identity ever recorded, a subterfuge Plymouth c. 1813–1816. Artist unknown. Miniature on ivory. that was to last for 56 years. For the sake of clarity, Archive of Dr James Barry Munnik, Cape Town, South Africa. James Barry will be referred to in the masculine gender throughout this paper. A DECEPTION IS ARRANGED James Barry assumed his new persona on either 28 or 29 November 18093 shortly before he boarded a vessel How did this extraordinary deception take place? The at Wapping on the Thames, one of the splendid fleet of story is so unusual that, as the Dublin broadsheet Leith smacks, bound for Edinburgh.4 He was accompanied Saunders’s News-Letter and Daily Advertiser later stated ‘... I on the five day voyage by his mother, Mrs Bulkley, whom doubt whether even Miss Braddon herself would have he subsequently referred to as his aunt.5 Matriculation ventured to make use of it in fiction.’6 (Miss ME Braddon represented the beginning of the academic year and in was a popular writer of romantic fiction in the mid- the case of this new student, a three year curriculum at nineteenth century.) Edinburgh, arguably the finest medical school in Britain, and one of the most highly regarded in the world at that James Barry was born Margaret Ann Bulkley in Cork in history time. This particular period in the long life of Dr Barry is 1789,7 the daughter of Jeremiah Bulkley and his wife examined in this article. Mary Anne (née Barry). The Bulkleys ran a successful grocery business at Merchant’s Quay, Cork and given the

258 history 259 5 The actual date of The actual date of 14 James and his mother James and his mother 14 Dr James Barry James Dr (1789–1865) Statue of Francisco de Miranda (1750–1816), Statue of Francisco de Miranda (1750–1816), This statement strongly suggests that it was at that suggests This statement strongly 13 Figure 2 Image London. Way, end of Grafton located on the western courtesy of the author. the General’s suggestion that the young Barry a became that the young suggestion the General’s revolutionary renewed join his to order in doctor be needed during would Doctors Venezuela. efforts in however, failed, This revolution the coming revolution. joined the effort. Barry James and never medical any to admitted not were women time that At Dr of year the 1865, until not was It Britain. in school became the first that Elizabeth Garrett death, Barry’s to fulfil In order to qualify as a doctor in Britain. female necessaryMargaret for therefore was it plan, Miranda’s man, of a young to assume the persona and dress success. which she did with great of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and as a patron patron a as and Scotland Antiquaries of the Society of of the and the work in both interest an took the arts, of known well Buchan, Barry. James then, by the, of welfare able to give was now in Edinburgh well-connected and support practical much to Barrydays student during his ‘… that indicating quite clearly as well – as in Edinburgh the to Miranda General of invitation by go to means he Caracas.’ arrived at Leith on the following Monday or Tuesday, 4 4 Tuesday, or Monday at Leith on the following arrived the start just a month after of or 5 December 1809, Winter Session at the University. the Margaret’s transformation into James Barry transformation can be Margaret’s 29 or Wednesday or so – stated to within a day 1809. 30 November, Thursday which 8 Despite 11 he held the dubious 10 2012; 42:258–65 2012; ORS An arguably greater legacy was the was legacy greater arguably An 9 The third member of this circle was the member of this circle The third 3 12 ACT J R Coll Physicians Edinb Coll Physicians J R © 2012 RCPE Venezuelan General Francisco Miranda, soldier, soldier, General Francisco Miranda, Venezuelan voluptuarybibliophile and – revolutionary, statesman, library extensive His qualities. other of host a among as it was in the Margaret, was to be important to young in London American exiles studying South of many lives De Freitas Mayke communication, at that time (personal Miranda During a visit to London, April 2012). Santos, intellect more an of promise the Margaret in found her of a governess, than to the life suited to a profession certain It seems he who it was that future. likely this member of The last medical education. a suggested Steuart [sic] David was benefactors of influential group founder a was Buchan Lord Buchan. of Earl 11th Erskine, distinction of being the only academician (until quite distinction of being the only his in Academy, Royal the from expelled be to recently) insults allegations, a variety of complex charges, case for other academicians. involving and quarrels personal interest that some of his influential that friends personal interest niece. and his sister of in the affairs take to later were Among the close circle of friends of the artist were four four the artistof friends of were the close circle Among importance in Margaret great assumed now men who personal and scholar Fryer, Dr Edward life. Ann’s became her personal of Sussex to the Duke physician the managed solicitor, the family Daniel Reardon, tutor; for which paid money death, accruing after Barry’s funds main concern Bulkley’s Mrs education. Ann’s Margaret have should that Margaret always was her daughter for Bread Decent get to way in a her put ‘…to education an herself…’. for THE BENEF A woman of some determination, Mary Anne approached approached Anne Mary determination, some of woman A seeking advice rather assistance, for her eldest brother BarryJames London- a (1741–1806) was money. than to appearing although artistbased ability, considerable of with man A success. little professional with rewarded be a particularly difficult personality, location of their home and business, much of it probably probably of it much business, their home and location of trade. maritime to the victuals supplying involved young ineffectual an was Bulkley John brother, Margaret’s been had money of the family’s man upon whom much followed education, good with a him provide to lavished In Dublin attorney. a to apprenticeship expensive an by in the social scale, his station above married 1803 John outlay additional considerable which involved writing two letters and visiting London, Mary Anne Mary visiting London, letters and writing two in 1806 the However her brother. help from no received of his family to assets leaving artist died unexpectedly, his from been suspected have value than would more living. of style ultimately bankrupted the family. Jeremiah Bulkley was Bulkley Jeremiah family. the bankrupted ultimately deposition family a and prison Marshalsea Dublin’s to sent Ann Margaret her daughter Anne and that Mary records in very indigent aforesaid in Cork reside ‘…now Circumstances.’ HM du Preez

Figure 3 James Barry [1741–1806] the Artist by William Figure 4 David Steuart Erskine (11th Earl of Buchan) Evans (from a life mask) 1806. Frontispiece to The Works of From The University of Edinburgh Fine Art Collection. A James Barry (1809) by Edward Fryer. copy by an unknown artist after Sir Joshua Reynolds.

MEDICAL TEACHING IN EDINBURGH furnished a letter of introduction. It seems likely that the well-connected Lord Buchan would have arranged the Although James Barry’s signature in the Edinburgh most useful introductions. It is also of interest to note University Matriculation Album for 180915 was a late that Lord Buchan had apparently not been included in entry, it was by no means the last among the names the conspiracy about the true identity of the new beginning with the letter B. June Rose, researching her student;18 Mrs Bulkley, Daniel Reardon, Dr Fryer and biography of Barry, found in one of the 1810 Class General Miranda were the only people who were aware Registers the annotation ‘Known by Lord Buchan, of the masquerade. nephew of Mr. B. painter.’16 The signing of the Album and payment of half a crown (earmarked for the purchase of Most courses cost three guineas and each took place on medical books), usually took place with a certain amount five days of the week for six months of the Winter term. of ceremony in the University Library and was attended Anatomy dissections were only conducted during the by the Principal. At the same time, Barry would have cold winter months, for obvious reasons and at noon, to informed the clerk which courses he intended to take make the most of the natural light. The subjects for during this first year. In his letters to Daniel Reardon17 dissection were supposed to come from judicial and General Miranda18 he states that he had signed up executions but this could not always be confirmed. The for Chemistry (Dr Hope), Anatomy and Surgery University anatomists were not the only men seeking (Professor Alexander Monro tertius), Natural Philosophy bodies for use in teaching as there were other anatomy and the second Greek course. These details are teachers in the extramural schools in the city, and confirmed by Barry’s later entry in his Return of the subjects were in demand. Services and Professional Education to the Director General of the Army Medical Department, Sir James While students were permitted a certain amount of McGrigor.19 This source also states that other courses latitude in the courses they chose, Barry was a were added to the four above – Mr Fyfe’s Dissection particularly diligent student; not only did he attend all classes and Barclay and Murray’s private lectures in the compulsory courses, namely Anatomy and Surgery, Anatomy and Surgery. In the letters to Reardon and Chemistry, Botany, Materia Medica and Pharmacology, Miranda Barry also enthusiastically records that he had Medical Theory and Practice as well as the Clinical history been introduced to Lord Buchan, as well as to his Lectures in the Royal Infirmary,20 but over the three professors, mentioning Monro by name. Dr Fryer had years of study, he added Midwifery, private Anatomy and once been a student at Edinburgh and he might also have Surgery classes, Military Surgery, Medical Jurisprudence,

23 261 Andrew Andrew The Lancet) The Dr James Barry James Dr (1789–1865) Subsequent research revealed revealed Subsequent research 17 , MEDICAUDENT L ST , Y James had an important request for the lawyer lawyer the for importantan had James request no address is given, simply ‘Edinburgh’, but she but ‘Edinburgh’, simply given, is address no 5 25 writes ‘After a voyage of 5 days we arrived safe at Leith at safe arrived we days 5 of voyage a ‘After writes Edinburgh, at lodgings took possible as soon as and in than cheaper (almost) everything find I where 4 very for good Ann. £30 per pay London… I only the servantof use the and &ca…’ cooking rooms and his like day, same the on Reardon to wrote James he did mention However, mother not giving an address. & work hands full of delightfull business, my ‘…I have I am the next. o’clock in the morning till two seven from become also (no doubt very eligible) a member of the time in due hope and Edinburgh Society of Philopodian Mrs. veryIt was for usefull plans. all my perfect to of care take Gentleman to a have to aunt) (my Bulkley countrystrange in a one have to Ship and Board on her of that…’. – but enough ‘…to ask your leave if at any time any thing should occur thing should time any any if at leave your ‘…to ask me to letters addressed be any should if there write; to enclose them in to as will good be so you Ireland, from no ‘I have And in a postscript: B---’ letters to Mrs. your Fryer, & Dr. but you in London friend or acquaintance Friendship – please to on your I can rely but I am sure Edinburgh.’ of University BarryJames to Student, Direct plan to cut of Barry’s This was the first written evidence This letter also his past. from himself off completely particularholds identifying importancein positively and James Barry Bulkley as one and the same Margaret Duncan (Theory of Medicine), James Russell (Clinical James Russell Duncan (Theory of Medicine), who was by tertiusAlexander Monro , Surgery)even and the importance but his of lecturer, terrible a reputation Anatomy, Surgeryand Morbid and Anatomy – subjects virtuallyit made obligatory sessions. his attend to This was a golden period at the University of Edinburgh of at the University period golden This was a teachers popular and celebrated most the of some and men classes; list of student’s our on featured time the of the popular of Physic), Gregory (Practice James such as Hamilton, James (Chemistry), Hope Charles Thomas (Midwifery), Controversialist a as described appropriately James Home Thomson (Military Medicine), John (Botany), Rutherford Daniel (Pharmacy), ES BARR JAM particulars’ ‘scanty (Janet the about known Little is to letter 1895 in her phrase Carphin’s James Barry’s day-to-day life at Edinburgh but we do but we at Edinburgh life day-to-day Barry’s James a ‘aunt’ and with his in lodgings that he lived know in the correspondence feature their addresses of number letter In a Daniel Reardon. and Bulkley Mrs between 14 December dated Reardon, to Bulkley Mrs from 1809, no Philopodian Society, leading to the suspicion that this that suspicion the to leading Society, Philopodian no to the amount of walking reference is a humorous Rosner necessary. was that venues lecture between in his who wrote Lesassier, Alexander a student, quotes all day Class to Class from running but ‘…nothing diary long.’

19 He 21 19 In addition he held tickets tickets held he addition In 19 2012; 42:258–65 2012; 22 Letter from James Barry (14 to Daniel Reardon Letter from Figure 5 the name of the sender wrote Reardon December 1809). identifying positively of the letter, on the cover ‘Miss Bulkley’ The Lewis Image courtesy of her as being James Barry. University. Yale Library, Walpole J R Coll Physicians Edinb Coll Physicians J R © 2012 RCPE also attended Clinical Lectures in Medicine and Surgery, Surgery, in Medicine and attended Clinical also Lectures Midwifery. and Jurisprudence, Medical Greek II, Natural Philosophy (Physics) and Moral (Physics) Philosophy Natural II, Greek or more two He completed (Ethics). Philosophy the cases in three these subjects; of eleven courses in his as as well and Surgery, Anatomy tertiusof Monro ’ Dr Hamilton’s Chemistry, Dr Hope’s Anatomy, Morbid and Barclay and Dissection Fyfe’s Mr Midwifery, lectures. private Murray’s Barry’s self-constructed curriculum shows that he he that shows curriculum self-constructed Barry’s additionally some studied a total of thirteen subjects, which have courses extra and lecturers with different subjects. different as list in the included been not was subjects of number this al. et Ackroyd to According equalled medical officer and Army one by only exceeded 450 cohort over of in their entire one other person by doctors. army which were only offered at this time of the year. this time of at offered only which were for entry into the Public Dispensary in West Richmond Richmond West entryfor into the Public Dispensary in for ‘perpetual’ ticket Hospital and a the Lying-in Street, Infirmary. the Royal Barry in remained of his contemporaries, many Unlike making use long summer months, Edinburgh during the Botany Rutherford’s of opportunitythe of two attend to of his Clinical Lectures, as twelve as well courses, HM du Preez

person. It was the invariable habit of the recipient, Daniel Buchan used his contacts to expand Barry’s circle of Reardon, to write in the right hand side of the folded mentors and benefactors, in particular to introduce cover (there were no envelopes at that time) the name him to the celebrated Edinburgh scholar, editor and of the sender of the letter as well as the date it was biographer, Dr Robert Anderson. As a letter from Lord written. While this particular letter is clearly signed ‘Your Buchan to Dr Anderson, of 11 Windmill Street, dated 5 Truly Obdt. Servt. James Barry’, the solicitor had written July 1810, explains ‘I cannot but greatly approve in the the name of the sender ‘Miss Bulkley’. expression of yr. Kindness to poor Barry & yr. Willingness to take him under yr. care as a Boarder The definite identification of Margaret Bulkley and James when Mrs. Bulkley leaves Scotland. Considering the Barry as the same individual was established in several friendship which subsisted between Barry’s Uncle & ways. Pressly compared a September 1808 sample of myself & other circumstances I have taken the liberty handwriting (known to be that of Margaret Bulkley) with of recommending him more particularly to yr. Attention the writing in James Barry’s letter to Daniel Reardon (14 as you will see by the two Billets which I send inclosed December 1809) and concluded that the two were by the to yr. care.’27 same hand.7 Secondly, a professional forensic document analyst compared a set of samples of Margaret Bulkley’s It would appear that on Mrs Bulkley’s return from handwriting, taken annually between 1804 and 1809, to London, she and James had moved to Mrs Taylor’s at 3 the writing in Barry’s 1809 letter and pronounced all Lothian Street.28 The next definite information about these to be the work of the same person (personal Barry’s activities comes over a year later, again from communication, Alison Reboul, April 2006). Finally, as Lord Buchan. Writing to Dr Anderson from his country stated above Daniel Reardon identified the name of the seat at Dryburgh Abbey on 15 October 1811, we learn sender as ‘Miss Bulkley’.3 that ‘James Barry… has been here for five weeks past and has employed himself in my Library very busily in By Christmas, the pair were established at 6 Lothian useful reading of Books connected with his professional Street at Mrs Haggerstone’s. Writing to Reardon, Mrs views. He is a well-disposed young man and worthy of yr. Bulkley stated, ‘Your friend, James affairs are going most notice and advice in his Studies. It will be kind of you and Happily & we unite in wishing you and Mrs. R & family Dr. Irving [Anderson’s son-in-law] to look at the Latinity many happy returns of the New Year… N.B it is of his Thesis which he tells me he is about to prepare necessary to mention the Landlady’s name, there are so this winter, & tho he is much younger than is usual to many in one house at Edinburgh…’ take his Degrees in Medicine and Surgery yet from what I have observed likely to entitle himself to them by his On 7 January 1810, Barry wrote a slightly fulsome letter attainments.’13 to General Miranda. ‘The last day of the year I dined at the Earl Buchan’s… I could not help telling his Lordship The last available address for Mrs Bulkley and James what a Treasure you possess in London, & how often you Barry is Tennent’s Lodgings, 74 Potter Row, the earliest permitted me (Barry’s nephew) to partake of it, it is letter from there being dated 11 February and the last, needless to say I mean your very extensive and elegant 28 April 1812. From the February letter, it appears that Library – For my part I am studying and attending the Mrs Bulkley’s health was starting to fail. Significantly, she Greek, Natural Philosophy, Chemistry and Anatomy writes ‘We have given up the idea of an annuity for my Classes and am honored by the notice of the life …in consideration of my present state of health … abovementioned Earl and Dr. Monro, the celebrated next July will, please God put an end to all my Professor of Anatomy.’ Following further pleasantries, extraordinary expenses in Edinburgh…’ by which we Barry ended: ‘If you should favor me with a line, please may infer that James is coming to the end of his studies to direct to James Barry Student at the University and is preparing for the Final examinations in July.29 In the Edinburgh.’ Then an asterisk and a very significant piece second letter to Reardon dated 28 April, Mrs Bulkley of information: ‘As Lord Buchan nor anyone here knows indicates that she wishes to leave for London on 10 May. any thing about Mrs Bulkley’s daughter I trust my dear She wanted to dispose of the Birth of Pandora, a large General that neither you nor the Doctor [Fryer] will painting left by her late brother, which did not sell at the mention in any of your correspondence any thing about auction after his death. She also intended to find lodgings my Cousin’s friendship &ca. for me.’18 It would appear close to Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals for the final part that they remained at Mrs Haggerstone’s at least until of James’ medical education.30 May 1810. Very little information is available about James Barry’s Just as James Barry was protecting his secret, so was his personal life in Edinburgh. Much of what is known comes mother. In a postscript she writes ‘It is not at all necessary from a letter to The Lancet written in 1895 by Janet history to give my address to any of my friends English or Irish, as Carphin of Edinburgh.24 She had heard about Barry from I do not like to [be] harassed with letters –.’26 her friend, Dr Jobson, who had been a student friend of James’: ‘One of his fellow students was remarkable by

36 Dr James Barry James Dr (1789–1865) The Morbid Anatomy of theof Anatomy Morbid The The Anatomy and Surgical Treatment of Inguinal and Treatment and Surgical Anatomy The was paid to each examiner. each paid to was oral and both written and The examinations were informal comparatively the first being a in Latin, entirely the of one of the home at evening held one affair – none asked A variety of questions were professors. too difficult whether the candidate – to gauge apparently whether or come, to was in what succeed to likely was partA major of the his effort should be postponed. It was to be written and was the thesis. exercise once the examiners had and the student, published by in Latin. in public, defended, was the work it, scrutinised effort, The thesis was not an original research-based dissertation a using subject largely the chosen on more activity that the type of This was existing literature. library carryingbeen had James Buchan’s in Lord out by selected The subjects 1811. of summer that during and varied, wide and cohortwere of 58 students Barry’s vulneribus. to V – angina A to from ranged the recent publication of Sir Astley Cooper’s two volume volume two Cooper’s Astley publication of Sir the recent work 1807, in and 1804 in Hernia Congenital Cooper’s and Umbilical Hernia. of Crural Treatment Surgical washernia common less this treating in experience notablealso was volumes two the of each but extensive, the fine quality (and expense) of the plates and the for 18 inches. – each 24 by size of the elephant folios usual thesis contains the of Barry’s title page The in a First, out. stand things but two information Barry somewhat appearance, youthful his to reference these regard ‘Do not Menander: quoted provocatively but consider whether I reveal of a youth as the words the from (Translated individual.’ the wisdom of a mature to refers probably This 2003.) GreekKearns, by Emily before the start of the examinations the prospective startthe prospective the examinations the of before certificateshis to Dean the to presented candidate Barry to chose classes. the attended had he that verify had his have would so he start his campaign in June, paid £10 1812 and with the Dean in March appointment £530 in 2011 value), (approximately Femoral hernia (not to be confused with the more the more hernia (not to be confused with Femoral hot topic at the common inguinal hernia) was a relatively tertiusMonro had only the Not about written time. book 1811 his subject in Stomach Intestines and Gullet, Human ION FINAL EXAMINAT the final examination, for prepared BarryJames was well procedure. stage four complicated a region of £2,400 had come to Mrs Bulkley and Margaret and Margaret Bulkley had come to Mrs of £2,400 region artist at expenses the uncle so Barry’s of death the after verybe to manageable. appeared Edinburgh himself wrote on the subject of femoral hernia – hernia femoral of the subject on himself wrote . vel Hernia Cruralis Merocoele Carphin continued: 32 2012; 42:258–65 2012; The garment might well have been purchased purchased been have well might garment The 31 However, although Barry kept the other students the other students although Barry kept However, with Dr. friendly he soon became at a distance, he where him to his lodgings, and invited Jobson he lived. with whom him to his mother, introduced into to go Barry resolved and Dr. Jobson Both Dr. Dr. together at a depôt where and were the army, Barry was Dr. that find to astonished was Jobson rather a through himself by home go to afraid to go Jobson Dr. but asked part of the town, rough that disappointed much …was Jobson Dr. with him. He never Barrybox. to he could not teach Dr. his chest his arms over but kept out, strike would blows. it from to protect J R Coll Physicians Edinb Coll Physicians J R © 2012 RCPE the persistency with which he avoided his fellow fellow his avoided he which with persistency the in because, at laughed also was and students, which all the shooting-coats the to contradistinction in a long appeared he invariably other students wore, with long skirts, A surtout is an overcoat surtout.’ in so less perhaps time, the at England in worn widely Scotland. The visit to the Army depôt would, presumably, have have presumably, would, depôt Army the to visit The Miranda’s General about news bad the after place taken some Edinburgh, imprisonment in 1812 had reached told Janet that Jobson If it is correct after the event. weeks as to Mrs Bulkley Carphin that he had been introduced himselfJames or mistaken, he was either ‘mother’, James’ part of his secret. revealed had inadvertently Barry his thesis at the time, Although he was preparing the final During 1812, at his other studies. hard worked of Practice included Dr Gregory’s his courses year, Home’s Dr TheoryMedicine, of Duncan’s Dr Physic, Dr Clinical Lectures, the as well as Course Pharmacy 12 Clinical as well as Course Botany Rutherford’s and Surgery Anatomy Monro’s in Botany, Lectures Anatomy Morbid second his to in addition Course Midwifery Hamilton’s Dr of another and Course Fyfe’s Mr of third with the continued He Courses. Clinical Surgery in Dissection and Mr Russell’s Courses the last school he attended At the extramural Lectures. in lectures private of courses Murray’s and Barclay of Surgery and Infirmarythe Royal and attended Anatomy day. every Hospital the Lying-in and examination and tuition, years of his three The cost at Edinburgh has been estimated at £201:7:6. other fees not include the cost of publishing his thesis, That does of and the student by be borne to had which also ‘…many stated Rosner lodging. and board course, for £100 per year around ended up paying students (personal on.’ so and books, food, lodgings, classes, A sum in the 2006.) 10 July Lisa Rosner, communication, in London prior to the voyage to Edinburgh. The The to Edinburgh. to the voyage in London prior a of was ascertained, be can as far as coat, shooting of and made rather shorter but with skirts, similar cut, material. ‘tweedy’ a more HM du Preez

the fact that Barry had faced the prospect of being and each received his degree ‘which was conferred by barred from sitting the examinations on account of his the Principal in the name and by the authority of the apparent age. Fortunately Lord Buchan provided a University,’ at a cost of £25.42 Mrs Bulkley’s letter to her solution in pointing out that the faculty had no rule solicitor would suggest that graduation day was at the about the age of an examination candidate at that time.38 end of July 1812,43 a date confirmed by the Edinburgh Barry also described himself as ‘Anglus’ – an Englishman. University Library (personal communication, Irene This may have been because he by now regarded himself Ferguson, 11 Oct 2006). as English, or because he was still rejecting his past, or perhaps it was because there was a degree of antagonism towards Irish students.39 While his adopted surname EPILOGUE acknowledged his debt to his uncle, the dedications in his thesis also reflected Barry’s gratitude towards two of Dr James Barry MD left Edinburgh for London, and as far his benefactors, General Miranda and Lord Buchan. as is known, never returned to Scotland again. On 17 Miranda’s occupies a full page and begins: ‘To Francisco October 1812 he registered at the United Hospitals Miranda, the most exalted, the most illustrious General, (Guy’s and St Thomas’) as a pupil to Mr Whitfield at St who from his youth has been winning justice for his Thomas’ and signed up for further lectures in Surgery by most beloved country and for the freedom of the whole Astley Cooper and George Cline.44 Having decided to world…’. By 31 July 1812, Miranda was in Spanish join the Army and passing the obligatory examination at captivity,40 ironically this was also the final date on which the Royal College of Surgeons in London45 Barry was Barry’s work was to be handed to the Dean. Barry’s recruited. He served with distinction (and more than a thesis bears the date 24 June. The dedication to Lord little controversy) in no less than eleven different parts Buchan was more restrained: ‘Also to that best and most of the Empire, until being retired on medical grounds in worthy of men, David Steuart Erskine, Earl of Buchan, 1859.46 Barry died in London on 25 July 1865. It was only &c., &c., &c., a magnanimous patron of the arts and when the mortal remains were being laid out that the humanities, which he himself has most happily cultivated, truth was discovered and subsequently revealed to an the author hopes that this dissertation will be both astonished world and an embarrassed Army.6 pleasing and acceptable.’ Many aspects of Barry’s story have only recently been Barry’s thesis represents a reasonable account of the established beyond doubt: his true identity, origins, age, state of knowledge of femoral hernia at the time and the how his education was funded and why he embarked surgical anatomy of femoral hernia is particularly well upon a military career.3 After Barry’s death, it was described. Having submitted his thesis, he was now free asserted by Sophia Bishop, the servant of the London to concentrate on the final examination.41 house in which Barry lodged, who laid out the body and who made the extraordinary discovery that the body First came another oral, which took place in the was not only that of a woman but that there were signs University Library; this generally consisted of a that suggested that she had borne a child ‘when very discussion on a medical disorder, often dysentery or young.’47 While the latter assertion may be open to doubt, pneumonia. Then there was a written examination it can now be stated with a degree of confidence that comprising four questions, set and answered in Latin: James Barry was a woman and furthermore, was the first first a commentary on one of Hippocrates’ aphorisms woman to graduate in medicine in the United Kingdom. which often proved challenging, then a general medical question followed by two instructive case histories. Acknowledgements Following the successful completion of the oral and the written tests came the defence of the thesis, in public It is a pleasure to acknowledge the help which I have and on the day of graduation. All students were received from librarians, archivists and experts from subjected to this ordeal, in a single room and on the around the world, too numerous to mention individually. same day. Again, Latin was the language used. When I would, however like to acknowledge the particular everyone had finished, the students waited outside contribution of the art historian William Pressly who in while the Principal asked the professors if they wished 1985 gave the first clear account of the early background him to confer the degree of Doctor of Medicine on the of Margaret Bulkley, which for the first time presented candidates. When this was agreed, the 58 candidates, credible proof that Margaret Bulkley and James Barry now gowned, returned, swore the Sponsio Academica were one and the same person. history

264 J R Coll Physicians Edinb 2012; 42:258–65 © 2012 RCPE history 265 . 1812 Apr 28. Located 28. Apr 1812 . . 1810 Aug 10. Located 10. Aug 1810 . . 1810 May 11. Located 11. 1810 May . . 1812 Feb 11. Located Located 11. 1812 Feb . Dr James Barry James Dr (1789–1865) . 1865 Aug 24. Located at The National The at Located 24. Aug 1865 . . Edinburgh: Neill and Company; 1867. Company; Neill and Edinburgh: . Letter to Daniel Reardon Daniel to Letter Letter to Daniel Reardon Daniel to Letter Letter to Daniel Reardon Letter to Daniel Letter to Daniel Reardon Liberators: Latin America’s struggle for independence.for struggle America’s Latin Liberators: Letter to Graham to Letter The morbid anatomy of the human gullet, stomach and human the gullet, of morbid anatomy The hernia crurali vel merocele de inauguralis medica Disputatio at: Barry Family Albums, vol ii, Lewis Walpole Library, Farmington, Farmington, Library, Walpole Lewis ii, vol Albums, Barry Family at: USA. CT, in the Handbook of English costume Cunnington P. Cunnington CW, p.129. 109; p. 1970. Faber and Faber; London: ed. 3rd nineteenth century. street from fashion The London look: C. Evans E, Ehrman C, Breward 129. p. 109; p. 2004. Press; University Yale Haven: New to catwalk. Edinburgh: . of improvement Medical education in the age L. Rosner 72–85. pp. 1991. Press; University Edinburgh [cited 2012 jun Historicalinflation and price UK conversion [Internet]. http://safalra.com/other/historical-uk-inflation- from: Available 15]. price-conversion.com in medicine in the University List of the graduates of Edinburgh from to MDCCCLXVI MDCCV BarryJ. at: Located 1812. Edinburgh; of University Edinburgh: [thesis]. Att.83.7.15/4. Scotland; Library, Edinburgh of University A. Monro 1811. Constable; Archibald Edinburgh: intestines. Green Longmans, London: story The strange of Dr James Barry. Rae I. 11. p. 1958. Co; and Edinburgh: . of improvement Medical education in the age L. Rosner 39. p. 1991. Press; University Edinburgh R. Harvey 88–91. pp. 2000. Press; Overlook The NY: Woodstock, Edinburgh: . of improvement Medical education in the age L. Rosner 81. p. 1991. Press; University Edinburgh Edinburgh: . of improvement Medical education in the age L. Rosner 85. p. 1991. Press; University Edinburgh Edinburgh: . of improvement Medical education in the age L. Rosner 37. p. 1991. Press; University Edinburgh 1768– Guy’s 1723–1819, Thomas’ St. Index of pupils and dressers. TH/FP1/IN1723- London; Archives, College King’s at: Located 1819. TH/FP7/1 f5. f33 and TH/FP4/2 1819 f46; of the Court Register of of England. College of Surgeons The Royal Surgeons, of College Royal The at: Located 2. Jul 1813 Examiners. f93. England; London, of Home and Statement Surgeon. 1795–1865), James (c1792, Barry, England; Kew, Archives, The National Located at: ServicesForeign . f 614. WO25/3899 WO138/1. England; Kew, Archives, Mary Anne Bulkley. Mary Anne Bulkley. Farmington, Library, Walpole Lewis ii, vol Albums, Barry Family at: USA. CT, 5. 1810 Jul Anderson. to Dr Robert Letter Steuart Erskine. David Adv. Scotland; Edinburgh, LibraryNational of Scotland, at: Located 22.4.13.f38. MS. Mary Anne Bulkley. Farmington, Library, Walpole Leis ii, vol Albums, Barry Family at: USA. CT, Mary Anne Bulkley. Farmington, Library, Walpole Lewis ii, vol Albums, Barry Family at: USA. CT, MaryAnne Bulkley.

31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 McKinnon. 26 27 28 29 30 Advancing with the . 1810 Jan 7. Located 1810 Jan 7. . . 1809 Dec 14. Located 1809 Dec 14. . . Located at: Edinburgh Located at: . London: Hutchinson; 1977. p. 17. p. 1977. Hutchinson; London: . 1811 Oct 15. Oct 15. 1811 Anderson . RobertDr to Letter 2012; 42:258–65 2012; Letter to Daniel Reardon Letter . 1805 Jan 14. Barry Family 1805 Jan 14. to James Letter Barry. . New Haven: Yale Yale Haven: New and art life The of James Barry . Yale Haven: New and art life The of James Barry . The Edinburgh student’s guide: or an account of the classes of the or an account guide: Edinburgh student’s The at: Barry Family Albums, vol ii, Lewis Walpole Library, Farmington, Farmington, Library, Walpole Lewis ii, vol Albums, Barry Family at: USA. CT, Located at: Aug 14. Advertiser. 1865 and Daily News-Letter Saunders’s Dublin. LibraryNational Ireland, of Journal Barrys. James the two of a Cork family: Portrait WL. Pressly 90:137–49. ArchaeologicalSociety 1985; of the Cork Historical and at: Located 1803. Circa Bulkley. to Jeremiah Letter Bulkley. John USA. CT, Farmington, Library, Walpole Lewis Albums, Barry Family at: Located 6 May 1806. Penrose, William Edward Deposition by USA. CT, Farmington, Library, Walpole Lewis Albums, Barry Family WL. Pressly 187–9. pp. 38–9; pp. 1981. Press; University WL. Pressly 139–41. pp. 1981. Press; University Mary Anne Bulkley. USA. CT, Farmington, Library, Walpole Lewis Albums, Steuart Erskine. David Adv. Scotland; Edinburgh, Library National Scotland, of at: Located MS.22.4.13 f42. Mrs and Miss Bulkley: Statement of account, Daniel Reardon. Albums, Barry Family at: Located Disbursement. 28. 1809 Nov USA. CT, Farmington, Library, Walpole Lewis matriculation initial B from album Folio EUL Da34. Scotland; Edinburgh, Library, University gentleman. The perfect J. Rose . 1809 Dec 14. Located at: Barry Located at: 1809 Dec 14. . Letter to Daniel Reardon Barry. James USA. CT, Farmington, Library, Walpole Lewis ii, vol Albums Family Miranda Fransisco Letter to General James Barry. at: Miranda Archivo Negociaciones T. xviii f23. Academia Nacional Academia xviii f23. T. Negociaciones Archivo Miranda at: Caracas. la Historia, de M.D. education of James Barry, Return of the servicesand professional England; Kew, Archives, National at: Located Apr 7. 1824 f3. WO25/3910 Edinburgh: . of improvement Medical education in the age L. Rosner 63. p. 1991. Press; University Edinburgh A. Bower with a detail of what faculties, under the four of the university arranged 1822. Innes; and Waugh in each.is taught Edinburgh: editors. al, et M Moss L, Brockliss M, Ackroyd and social mobility in the British Isles the professions, medicine, Army, 139. p. 2006. Press; University Oxford Oxford: 1790–1850. Edinburgh: . of improvement Medical education in the age L. Rosner 48. p. 1991. Press; University Edinburgh 146:1019–22. The Lancet 1895; the editor. Letter to Carphin J. Edinburgh: . of improvement Medical education in the age L. Rosner 61. p. 1991. Press; University Edinburgh . Edinburgh: Edinburgh: . of improvement Medical education the age in L. Rosner 24. p. 1991. Press; University Edinburgh Edinburgh: . of improvement Medical education in the age L. Rosner 12. p. 1991. Press; University Edinburgh S Afr Med revealed. years the early Barry: Dr James HM. Preez du 98:52–8. J 2008; Reid: Leith and London smack directory Reid’s . Son. W Reid and 1819. Edinburgh; Mary Anne Bulkley. J R Coll Physicians Edinb Coll Physicians J R © 2012 RCPE 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 1 2 3 4 5 CES REFEREN