Origin and history of the Regius Chair of Medical Jurisprudence and Medical Police established in the University of Edinburgh in 1807

References 

1. Crowther MA, White B. On soul and conscience: the medical expert and crime. 150 years of Forensic medicine in Glasgow. Aberdeen: Aberdeen University Press; 1988;
2. Duncan Andrew, Senr MD. In:  Chambers R editors. A biographical dictionary of eminent scotsmen. vol. 3:Glasgow, Edinburgh & London: Blackie & Son; 1854;p. 169–1759 volumesBettany GT rev, Rosner L . Duncan, Andrew, the elder (1744–1828), physician. In: Dictionary of National Biography. vol. 17:Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2004;p. 224–225
3. Forbes TR. Surgeons at the Bailey: English forensic medicine to 1878. New Haven & London: Yale University Press; 1985;p. 7
4. Duncan A. Heads of lectures on medical jurisprudence, or the Institutiones Medicinae Legalis. Edinburgh: G. Mudie & Son; 1795;[30pp]
5. Frank JP. System einer vollständigen medicinischen Polizey. 6 Volumes. Mannheim, Tubingen, Wien (First Volume, 1784, Mannheim: Schwan 1784–1817.See also: Baumgartner L, Ramsey EM. Johann Peter Frank and his “System Einer Vollständigen Medicinischen Polizey”. Ann Med History. 1933;5:525–532andBaumgartner L, Ramsey EM. Johann Peter Frank and his “System Einer Vollständigen Medicinischen Polizey”. Ann Med History. 1933;6:69–90
6. Grant A. The story of the University of Edinburgh during its first three hundred years. London: Longman Green, & Co.; 1884;2 Volumes, Volume 2, p. 445. This statement also appears in Christison’s autobiography: Christison (sons of Sir Robert, but no initials given). (Volume 1, 1885 and Volume 2, 1886). The Life of Sir Robert Christison, Bart. In 2 Volumes. Volume 1 – Autobiography. Edinburgh & London: W. Blackwood & Sons; Volume 2 – Memoirs. Edinburgh & London: W. Blackwood & Sons, Volume 1, 279
7. For information on this memorial, see: Duncan A. A short view of the extent and importance of Medical Jurisprudence, considered as a branch of education. Edinburgh 1798; [13pp].
8. Grant A. The story of the University of Edinburgh during its first three hundred years. London: Longman Green, & Co.; 1884;Volume 1, p. 291
9. Untitled. Lancet 1832;2:249–50.Bettany GT.rev., White BM. Duncan, Andrew (1773–1832). physician and expert in forensic science. Dictionary of National Biography, vol. 17. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2004. p. 225–6.See also Grant A. The story of the University of Edinburgh during its first three hundred years. London: Longman Green, & Co.; 1884;Volume 2, p. 445–7
10. See: Edinburgh Town Council’s Minutes of 22 April 1807.

11. The Commissioners indicated as follows: “The Commissioners recommend attendance upon a Course of Clinical Midwifery, and upon the three following Classes in the University, viz. Natural History, Medical Jurisprudence, and Military Surgery, which may be attended during any period of the Course after the first year; and a second Course of Chemistry in the University.” See: Anon (1831). Reports from Commissioners: Four Volumes. Metropolis Roads; Holyhead Roads; Caledonian Canal; Tanjore Debts; Education, Ireland; Universities, Scotland. Session 14 June-20 October 1831. Ordered, by the House of Commons, to be printed. Volume XII, Part I, 298. This subject was also considered in detail when the Commissioners questioned Dr. J. Corkindale on his views about whether there should be a separate class of Medical Jurisprudence in the Glasgow medical curriculum. See: Anon (1837). Evidence, Oral and Documentary, taken and received by the Commissioners appointed by His Majesty George IV. July 23d, 1826; and re-appointed by His Majesty William IV., October 12^th 1830; for visiting the Universities of Scotland. Volume II. University of Glasgow. London: printed by W. Clowes & Sons, for His Majesty’s Stationary Office, 219.
12. Grant, op. cit. Ref.⁶, 446.
13. Nicolson M . The continental journeys of Andrew Duncan junior. Web Publication. Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh 2006 [See: RCP Edin Website].
14. This is now part of the site occupied by the Scottish Parliament.
15. For further details, see: Duncan Andrew, Junior MD. In:  Chambers R editors. A biographical dictionary of eminent scotsmen. vol. 3:Glasgow, Edinburgh & London: Blackie & Son; 1854;p. 175–1799 Volumes
16. Jacyna LS. Alison William Pulteney (1790–1859) physician and social reformer. In: Dictionary of National Biography. vol. 1:Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2004;p. 744–777
17. Alison WP. Observations on the management of the poor in Scotland and its effects on the health of the Great Towns. William Blackwood & Sons; 1840;[vii, and 123pp.]
18. See: Alison WP. Remarks on the report of her majesty’s commissioners on the poor-laws of Scotland, presented to parliament in 1844: and on the dissent of Mr. Twisleton from that report. Edinburgh: W. Blackwood & Sons; 1844;
19. White B. Scottish Doctors and the English public health. In:  Dow DA editors. The influence of Scottish medicine: an historical assessment of its international impact. New Jersey: Parthenon Publishing Group; 1988;p. 79–85
20. Christison R. The story of the University of Edinburgh during its first three hundred years. London: Longman Green, & Co.; 1884;Volume 1, p. 407–9White BM. Christison, Sir Robert, first baronet (1797–1882), toxicologist and physician. In: Dictionary of National Biography. vol. 11:Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2004;p. 551–553
21. Grant A. The story of the University of Edinburgh during its first three hundred years. London: Longman Green, & Co.; 1884;Volume 2, 447–9, 447
22. See: Christison, op. cit. Ref.⁶, Volume 1, 276–311; Grant, op. cit. Ref.⁶.
23. Christison, op. cit. Ref.⁶, Volume 1, 278.
24. Roughead W. Burke and Hare. Edinburgh: William Hodge & Co. Ltd; 1921;Kaufman MH. Another look at burke and hare: the last day of Mary Paterson – a medical cover up?. Proc Roy College Phys Edinburgh. 1997;27:78–88See also: Christison, op. cit. Ref.⁶, Volume 1, 305-11.
25. See, for example: Christison R. Cases and observations in Medical Jurisprudence. IV. Murder by strangling, with some remarks on the effects of external violence on the human body soon after death. Edinburgh Med Surg J. 1829;31:236–250
26. Christison, op. cit. Ref.⁶, Volume 1, 309.
27. Grant, op. cit. Ref.⁶, Volume 2, 447-9, 449.
28. Christison R. A treatise on poisons in relation to medical jurisprudence, physiology, and the practice of physic. Edinburgh printed for A. Black 1829 [This text was translated into German in 1831].
29. Christison R, Coindet CW . An experimental inquiry on poisoning by oxalic acid. Edinburgh: no publisher cited ;1823 [read before the Medico-Chirurgical Society of Edinburgh, 8 January and 5 February 1823].
30. Traill TS, Christison R, Syme J. 1839. Suggestions for the Medico-Legal Examination of Dead Bodies. Edinburgh: printed by Alex. Smellie for Crown Office [36pp.].See also: White B. Training medical policemen; forensic medicine and public health in nineteenth-century Scotland. In:  Clark M,  Crawford C editor. Legal Medicine in History. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 1994;145-63, see 162, Footnote 46
31. Anon. The late Professor Traill. Edinburgh Med J. 1862–3;8:389–91.White BM. Traill Thomas Stewart (1781–1862), physician and specialist in medical jurisprudence. Dictionary of National Biography. 55. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2004, 217-8.For additional information, see: Comrie J. History of Scottish Medicine. 2 Volumes. Second Edition. Volume 2 London: Baillière, Tindall & Cox.; 1932. p. 625–6.
32. Traill TS. Outlines of a course of lectures on medical jurisprudence. Edinburgh: A. & C. Black; 1836, 2nd ed., 1840, 3rd ed., 1857.
33. White BM. Maclagan, Sir Andrew Douglas (1812–1900), physician and expert in forensic medicine and public health. Dictionary of National Biography, vol. 35. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2004. p. 708–9.
34. Anon . Dr Maclagan. Edinburgh Medical Journal. 1865;11:94Anon . Obituary. David Maclagan, M.D., F.R.S.E. Lancet i. 1865;665.Kaufman MH. Dr David Maclagan (1785–1865) – distinguished Military Surgeon, President of both the Royal College of Surgeons and Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, founder of a medical and military dynasty. J Med Biography. 2006;14:75–83
35. This was William Dalrymple Maclagan. See: Ward AW, rev. Machin I. Maclagan, William Dalrymple (1826–1910), archbishop of York. Dictionary of National Biography, vol. 35. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2004. p. 713–5.
36. Nugae Canorae Medicae: lays by the poet laureate of the New Town Dispensary. Edinburgh: printed by T. Constable. Anonymous, but written by Sir Douglas Maclagan; 1850.
37. For additional information, see: Sir Andrew Douglas Maclagan, M.D., LL.D. Edin., LL.D. Glasg., F.R.C.P., F.R.C.S., F.R.S.Edin. Lancet 1900;1:1100.Obituary. Sir Andrew Douglas Maclagan, M.D., F.R.C.P.E., F.R.C.S.E., LL.D. (Edinburgh and Glasgow). Br Med J 1900;1:935–7Obituary. Sir Andrew Douglas Maclagan, M.D., LL.D. Edin., LL.D. Glasg., F.R.C.P.Ed., F.R.S.Edin. Scott Med Surg J 1900;6:451–3. See also: Kaufman, op. cit. Ref.³⁴;80–82.
38. Obituary. Sir Henry Duncan Littlejohn, M.D. Edin., F.R.C.S. Edin., LL.D. Edin. (Hon. Causa). Lancet 1914a;ii:913–4.Obituary. Sir Henry D. Littlejohn, M.D., LL.D.Edin., F.R.C.S.E. Br Med J 1914b;2:648–50.White BM. Maclagan, Sir Andrew Douglas (1812–1900), physician and expert in forensic medicine and public health. Dictionary of National Biography, vol. 35. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2004. p. 708–9.White BM. Littlejohn, Sir Henry Duncan (1826–1914), medical officer of health and expert in forensic medicine. Dictionary of National Biography, vol. 34. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2004. p. 24–5. Note that his year of birth is given as 1828 in his Obituary notices published in both the Lancet and in the British Medical Journal. [See also endnote 41].
39. This was the successor to the Edinburgh Medical Journal and the Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal.
40. Littlejohn HD. Report on the sanitary condition of the city of Edinburgh with relative appendices, & c. Edinburgh: Colston & Son; 1865;
41. For additional information on the effects of the activities of Sir Henry Littlejohn when he was Medical Officer of Health in Edinburgh, see: In:  Turner AL editors. History of the University of Edinburgh 1883–1933. Edinburgh & London: Oliver & Boyd; 1933;p. 124–126
42. Gairdner WT. Public health in relation to air and water. Edinburgh: Edmonston & Douglas; 1862;
43. If it is assumed that he was born in 1826 rather than in 1828, as indicated in his Obituary notices in the Lancet and in the British Medical Journal, see: Anon, 1914a & 1914b, respectively, op. cit. Ref.³⁸.
44. For additional information, see: Turner, op. cit. Ref.⁴¹, 126-7.
45. For further details, see: Comrie, op. cit. Ref.³¹, Volume 2, 631.Guthrie D. Extramural medical education in Edinburgh and the School of Medicine of the Royal Colleges. Edinburgh & London: E. & S. Livingstone; 1965;
46. Obituary. Henry Harvey Littlejohn, M.B., B.Sc., F.R.C.S., F.R.S. Ed. Lancet 1927;ii:414.Obituary. Harvey Littlejohn, M.B., C.M., B.Sc. Ed., F.R.C.S., F.R.S. Ed. Br Med J 1927;2:369–71.
47. Obituary. Harvey Littlejohn, M.B., C.M., B.Sc. Ed., F.R.C.S., F.R.S. Ed. Br Med J 1927;2:369.
48. His father was particularly impressed with this distinction, and wrote to the Society in the following terms “…The approbation of grave and revered seniors is delicious, but the homage of clear-eyed, generous, and uncalculating youth is more exquisite still.” See: Gray J. History of the Royal Medical Society 1737–1937. Edinburgh: University Press; 1952. p. 225.
49. Littlejohn HH. Forensic medicine illustrated by photographs and descriptive cases. London: J&A Churchill; 1925;
50. Sydney Alfred Smith Kt., C.B.E., M.D. Hon. LL.D. Edin., F.R.C.P.E., F.R.S.E. Lancet 1969;i:1104–5.Camps F rev. White BM. Smith, Sir Sydney Alfred (1883–1969), forensic scientist. Dictionary of National Biography, vol. 51. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2004. p. 321–2.
51. Smith S. Forensic medicine: a text-book for students and practitioners. London: J&A Churchill; 1925;
52. Smith S, Glaister J. Recent advances in forensic medicine. London: J&A Churchill; 1931;
53. See, for example: Smith SA, editor. Taylor’s principles and practice of medical jurisprudence. 8th ed., 2 Volumes; 1928. London: J&A Churchill [For details of 3rd ed., see: Stevenson T, editor. (1883). The principles and practice of medical jurisprudence. 3rd ed., 2 Volumes. London: J&A Churchill. For details of 1st ed, see: Taylor AS (1865). The principles and practice of medical jurisprudence. London: John Churchill].
54. Smith S. Mostly murder. London: G.G. Harrap & Co. Ltd.; 1959;
55. Smith S. The history and development of forensic medicine. Br Med J. 1951;i:599–607see p. 604–5