Sir Gilbert Blane: The father of naval medical science

摘要

Gilbert Blane was born in Blanesfield in Ayrshire in 1749 and studied in both Edinburgh and Glasgow, graduating with an MD (Glasgow) in 1778. His first naval appointment was as private physician to Admiral (Lord) Rodneys sailing to the siege of Gibraltar in 1779 on HMS SANDWICH. A combination of his ability and calmness in action gained him the Admiral's confidence and led to his appointment as Physician to the Fleet. Rodney's testimonial commented: 'To Blanes knowledge and attention it was owing that the English Fleet was, notwithstanding excessive fatigue and constant service, in a condition always to attack and defeat the enemy.' (http://www.berk-shirehistory.com/bios/gblane.html).