Cairns Smith
18th September 2025
Professor Cairns Smith gave a fascinating talk on two eminent North East of Scotland doctors who made a major contribution to our understanding of tropical diseases and their treatment. Patrick Manson from Old Meldrum graduated from the University of Aberdeen and had a medical career in Britain and China, founding the College of Medicine in Hong Kong. The talk explained his discovery of the connection between Malaria and the Mosquito. James Cantlie was another North East doctor featured in the talk. Like Manson his career took him to China and he co-founded the Hong Kong College of Medicine. He also played a role in helping to save Sun Yat Sen from kidnapping in London, thereby enabling Sun Yat Sen to later be instrumental in overthrowing the Manchu Chinese Empire. Professor Smith through his own wide knowledge of medicine was able to combine erudition with insights into the impact of these and other Scottish doctors.