Andrew Fyfe the Elder
Andrew Fyfe the elder (1754-1824), was a Scottish anatomist.
Fyfe was born in 1754, probably at Corstorphine, near Edinburgh, where his father lived. He was appointed 'dissector' to Monro secundus, professor of anatomy in Edinburgh University, in 1777, having two years previously been awarded 'the annual prize medal given by the commissioners for improvements in Scotland, for the best drawing in the academy which they have established at Edinburgh.' For about forty years he superintended the dissections and gave demonstrations in the anatomical school under the second and third Monros. Sir Astley Cooper, who attended his demonstrations in 1787-8, says: 'I learned much from him. He was a horrid lecturer, but an industrious, worthy man, and good practical anatomist. His lecture was, "I say—eh, eh, eh, gentlemen; eh, eh, eh, gentlemen—I say, etc.;" whilst the tallow from a naked candle he held in his hand ran over the back of it and over his clothes: but his drawings and depictions were well made and very useful.' Mr. Bransby Cooper, who attended Fyfe in 1815-16, says: 'Mr. Fyfe was a tall thin man, and one of the most ungainly lecturers I ever knew. He had been assistant to Dr. Monro,' implying that he was now no longer assistant but lectured on his own account.
Fyfe's eldest son, Andrew Fyfe (1792-1861), was born 18 January 1792, graduated M.D. at Edinburgh in 1814, and became fellow of the Edinburgh College of Surgeons in 1818, and president in 1842-3. He lectured privately on chemistry and pharmacy at Edinburgh for many years, having been assistant to Professor Hope. He published in 1827 'Elements of Chemistry,' 2 vols., a full and well-digested work; 3rd edit. 1833. He was an unsuccessful candidate in 1832 for the chair of materia medica at Edinburgh, but in 1844 became professor of chemistry in the university of Aberdeen, and retained his professorship till his death on 31 Dec. 1861 at Edinburgh, though for some years his lectures were given by a deputy. His knowledge of inflammable substances was great, and he often gave evidence in official inquiries on such subjects. He was much esteemed both by his students and in private life. He was twice married; his son, also named Andrew Fyfe, was a London physician.
References
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Fyfe, Andrew". Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.
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