THOMAS J. MacLAGAN - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 10/19/1876 - HFSID 44425

THOMAS J. MacLAGAN
The pioneer in the use of aspirin and fever thermometers requests a testimonial as he applies for a medical professorship.
Autograph Letter signed: "T. MacLagan", 3 pages (integral leaf), 4½x6¾. Dundee [Scotland], 1876 October 19. To "Dr. J. Russell Reynolds", in full: "Thinking it likely that you are familiar with some of my work, I take the liberty to ask if you would favor me with a testimonial to aid in my present application for the chair in the Practice of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. My chief work has been done in connexion with fever, with the germ theory, with the translating of Bouchard's work on cerebral hemorrhage, and on the introduction of salicin as a remedy in acute rheumatism. I have now in the press a work on the germ theory, which I had hoped would be out in time to help me; but the election is to take place on the 20th, so I have no time to lose. Trusting you will excuse this liberty, I am yours truly". Scottish physician, medical researcher and teacher Thomas J. MacLagan (1863-1903), formerly Medical Superintendent of the Dundee Royal Infirmary (1864-1866), did not attain the post for which he applies here, but achieved a comparable post as Examiner in Medicine and Pathology at the University of Aberdeen. He moved in 1879 to London, where his patients included members of the Royal Family. A specialist in the treatment of rheumatism, he was the first to use salicin, a forerunner of aspirin, for pain relief. He was also the first Scottish doctor to make extensive use of the fever thermometer. Normal mailing folds. Purple ink on top left corner of front page. Light surface creases. Bottom edge irregularly cut. Otherwise, fine condition.