James Duncan

James Duncan FRSE FRCS FRCSE (2 November 1810 – 16 August 1866) was a Scottish surgeon and manufacturing chemist responsible for much of the British supply of chloroform in the mid-19th century. From 1839 to 1866 he was Director of Duncan Flockhart & Co one of Scotland’s largest chemical manufacturers. Life He was born in Perth on 2 November 1810, the son of John Duncan (b. 1780) founder of Duncan Flockhart & Co. and his wife, Elizabeth Morison. He was educated at Perth Academy then sent to the High School in Edinburgh to be educated. In 1833 his father’s company moved from Perth to Edinburgh, with premises at 52 North Bridge with the family living at 1 Blenheim Place at the top of Leith Walk. Meanwhile Duncan was completing his medical studies at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with an MD in 1834. He was taught surgery by Robert Liston. Due to his rich father his postgraduate studies leading to his MD included studies in France, Germany, Austria and Italy.