This is a past event
Doctors’ journals can be an informative primary historical source. They provide not only details of contemporary diseases and healthcare but often offer a view of society and culture. The journals of Dr Jonathan Troup are an example. He practiced not only in Dominica but in Aberdeenshire recording clinical and social interactions in the late 18th century. His Dominican journals include details, often with illustrations, of the lives of the enslaved, freed and European Dominicans.
The careers of successful medical practitioners most often survive in the historical record. Troup fails to thrive professionally, both in Dominica and Scotland. While his Dominican journals have informed medical historians, his Aberdeenshire journal has been overlooked. His writings, never intended for publication, are wide ranging and at times disparaging of colleagues and patients. Troup’s failure in clinical practice in Dominica can be informed by identifying character traits and approach to clinical practice recorded in his Scottish journals. His experience can be compared with other clinicians practicing in the British West Indies to identify possible reasons for his failure.
- Speaker
- Michael J. C. Davidson (University of Aberdeen)
- Hosted by
- via Teams
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For more information, please contact Ellen Packham.