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Plague, pox and the physician in Aberdeen, 1495-1516

K Jillings1

  • 1School of History, Philosophy and Classics, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. K.A.Jillings@massey.ac.nz

The Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
|May 28, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Aberdeen pioneered early public health measures, including regulations against syphilis and plague prevention, establishing the first medical chair in the British Isles. Despite initial success, the city faced a severe plague outbreak in 1514.

Area of Science:

  • History of Medicine
  • Public Health Policy
  • Urban History

Background:

  • Aberdeen's healthcare development in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
  • Establishment of King's College and the first university Chair of Medicine in the British Isles (1497).
  • Appointment of James Cumming as the first city doctor (1503).

Observation:

  • Aberdeen's council enacted early regulations against the Great Pox (syphilis) in 1497.
  • The city implemented plague prevention measures, aligning with continental and Scottish practices.
  • These public health interventions showed apparent success in preventing plague until 1514.

Findings:

  • Aberdeen was a pioneer in civic public health legislation in the British Isles.
  • The city established a foundational medical infrastructure with the university chair and city doctor.
  • Despite preventative efforts, Aberdeen experienced a significant two-year plague outbreak starting in 1514.

Implications:

  • Highlights early, organized civic responses to epidemic diseases.
  • Demonstrates the nascent stages of institutionalized healthcare and medical governance.
  • Provides insight into the limitations of public health measures against severe outbreaks in the period.

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