Silhouette portrait of Dr John Abercrombie, mounted with autograph signature ‘John Abercrombie’

John ABERCROMBIE (1780-1844). – [SCOTTISH School, 19^th-century]

Silhouette portrait of Dr John Abercrombie, mounted with autograph signature ‘John Abercrombie’ and date ‘August 1 – 1838’ to the oatmeal-colored backing sheet, ‘window-mounted’ with an embossed sheet of cream wove paper (sheet size: 11 x 9in; 279 x 228mm).

Abercrombie ‘was a Scottish physician, author, philosopher and philanthropist. His Edinburgh practice became one of the most successful medical practices in Scotland. The Chambers Biographical Dictionary says of him that after James Gergory’s death, he was "recognized as the first consulting physician in Scotland". As surgeon to The Royal Public Dispensary and the New Town Dispensary he provided free medical care for the poor of the town and taught medical students and apprentices. He published extensively on medical topics and latterly on metaphysics morality and religion. A devout Christian he gave financial support to missionary work. Abercrombie was awarded the honorary degree of MD from the University of Oxford, was elected Rector of Marischal College and University, Aberdeen and appointed Physician to the King in Scotland. … A bust of Abercrombie by John Steell is held at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh A portrait by Benjamin Walsh, painted in 1819, hangs in the RCSEd.’ (wikipedia)