James Russell (surgeon)

Prof James Russell FRSE RSA (1754–1836) was a Scottish surgeon and prominent trainer of Edinburgh’s surgeons during its golden years in the early 19th century. He was a co-founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. In 1803 he is one of the first persons to describe an inguinal hernia.^[1]

Life

He was born in Edinburgh the son of James Russell, Professor of Natural Philosophy at Edinburgh University. His mother was Margaret Balfour of Pilrig, great aunt to Robert Louis Stevenson. He was educated at the High School 1761 to 1764 and then studied Medicine at Edinburgh University. He practiced surgery from around 1775.

In 1783 he was a founder member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh along with his cousin Joseph Black. Russell served as the Society’s Vice-President from 1823 to 1833. He also served as President of Royal Medical Society in 1780 and President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 1796-1797.^[2]

From 1800 he was a Senior Surgeon at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, but (as was common with many hospitals) was required to retire from active surgery on the public at age 50. From 1786 to 1803 he lectured in Practical Surgery at Edinburgh University and he served as Regius Professor of Clinical Surgery in Edinburgh University from 1802 until 1830. This chair was founded for Russell. He was succeeded by Prof James Syme in the chair.^[3]

In later life, and until retiral, he lived with his family at 30 Abercromby Place, facing Queen Street Gardens in Edinburgh’s New Town.^[4]

He retired in 1833 aged 79. He died on 14 August 1836 at Bangholm Bower House in Trinity, Edinburgh and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard in the city centre.

Family

In 1798 he married Eleanor Oliver.

His son James Russell (1801–1862) was also a physician and Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

References