742
BRITISH MEDICAL RTS
74
EIA
JOURNAL ORA
29
MARCH
1975
9MRH17
OBITUARY NOTICES
C. L. COPE B.A., D.M., F.RC.P.
Dr. Cuthbert Cope, emeritus reader in metabolic medicine at the Royal Postgrduate Medical School and honorary visiting physician to Hammermith Hospital, died suddenly on 12 March. He was 71. Cuthberit Leslie Cope was bor on 21 May 1903 and educated at Oxford and University College Hospital, where he also held this residency appointments. He began research as a Beit Fellow in 1929 in the biochemistry department at Oxford. His first interest was renal excretion of non-threshold substances (sulphate, creatinine) and in 1931-2, ait the Rockefeller Hosiftal, New York, with D. D. Van Slyke, he further analysed renal function tests. He studied the excretion of a non-metabolizable sugar, xylose, as an indicator of glomerular filtration. On his return to Britain he continued in the medical units successively at St. Thomas's Hospital, University College Hospital, and the Radcliffe Infimary. In 1942 he became a lieutenant-colonel in the R.A.M.C., serving in France and Holland and af,ter the armistice in Norway. From 1947 to 1949 he was director of human problems research in the Coal Board, after which he was appointed to the staff of the Postgraduate Medical School. Tihis began his most productive period, mainly on the adrenal cortical steroid hormones. In this rapidly advancing and exciting field enthusiasm neve-r overcame his precise and cautious judgement. His isotope-labelled dilution technique put the reliability of estimation of cortisol activity on a new level of accuracy. With Llaurado in 1954 he had evidence of excess secretion of aldosterone in a case of potassium-losing nephropathy and narrowly missed priority in defining a new syndrome described in the following year by Conn. These fruitfiul endeavours were slowly appreciated outside this country, and he came to be regarded as one of our most renowned endocrinologists. "Retirement" at 65 was for hiim an opportunity for more time for his laboratory work and he not only revised his Adrenal Steroids and Disease (1972) but crowned his life with another brilliantly perfectionist article in Clinical Science as recendy as Feuary. Like his uncle Zachary he never stopped while he had breath. "Copey," as he was affectionately known, was modest, self-effacing, and shy. He never sought publicity or even the prestige of an academic
By his gentle personality, his integrity, and his full responsibility for every detail in his scientific life ihe was an inspiration to many and indeed was the most reliable and loved colleague. His home life with his wife Eileen was ideal and they had two sons of whom he was justly proud. One of them is in the medical profession and the other is the youngest member of the Headmasiters'
Conference.-J.McM.
G.M.B. writes: Dr. Cope will be greatly missed by the many medical men and women who worked and studied with him, and to whom he s1howed his humanity, healthy cynicism, logical and analytical mind, and clinical acumen. Many endocrinologists owe him a great debt, for he was always interested in the development of those who had been with him, encouraging them with great kindness in their scientific endeavours, and they in their turn admired and were fond of him. His advice was frequently sought and generously given. His many friends throughout the world will long remember him.
F. C. PYBUS M.S., F.R.C.S., D.C.L.
F.W.R writes: During some 30 years Professor Pybus assembled a collection of medical bookls of extraordinary richness, rarity, and importance. It establishes him firmly in the fine tradition of great collecting by medical men. He knew Vesalius and Albinus, Harvey and Hunter, as well as he knew his colleagues, and he revelled in their conmany. A day with him, surrounded by his books, paintings, and engavings, was an unforgettable experience. His presentation of this great collection to the University Library of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1965, despite enticements from home and abroad, was to put his greatest love into the safe keeping of the institution he served so well.
Professor F. C. Pybus, emeritus professor of surgery, Durham University, died on 10 March. He was 91. Frederick Charles Pybus was born on 2 November 1883 and graduated in medicine from the Newcastle College of Medicine of Duiiham University in 1906. After house appointments he served in Mesopotamia during the first world war as a major, R.A.M.C. He became surgeon to the Fleming Memorial Hospital for Sick Children and was appointed to the honorary staff of the Royal Victoria Infirmary in 1920 as an assistant surgeon, eventually becoming senior honorary surgeon. He retired in 1944 at the age of 60 and was then made constultant surgeon to the General Hospital, at that time the Municipal Hospital. In 1942 he had been appointed professor of surgery in
Durham University. During ithe second world war he was co-ordinator of the emergency medical hospital services in the Northem Region, and in 1948 at the inception of the N.H.S. became adviser to the re-
gional hospital board. Professor Pybus was trained in an era of surgical giants when only a few confined their activities to single systems, and he became one of the great general surgeons with an international reputation, operating with equal facility on the ith t, nose, and ear, the central nervous system and thax, was deemed to have most distinguished as well as on the abdomen and extremities. himself by observation and research in clini- His early conitributions were in paediatris nt and orthopaedic surgery, but later cal medicine."
chair. Avoiding the heavier chores of administrtin, he concentra-ted his talents where they were best used. Unhurried and patiently methodical in his work, he did not publish until he had something worthwhile to say. In 1972 he was awarded the Moxon medal of the Royal College of Physicians as the peron "who
disease became his main interest and he did much fundamental research on cancer, financed at first by himself and later supported by the British Empire Cancer Campaign. He was a keen and stimulating teacher and a strict disciplinarian, buft humane, considerate, and charmning with patients. An active menber of many medical societies, he was also a Hunterian professor of the Royal College of Surgeons and a past-president of the North-east Surgical Socierty. In 1966 he received the honorary degree of doctor of civil law from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Pirofessor Pybus was a bachelor, a somewhat lonely man who outlived his colleagues but had a few very loyal friends. -G.Y.F.
G. J. G. CHINNOCK-JONES M.A., M.B., B.S.
Dr. G. J. G. Ohinnock-Jones, who was a medical officer in tihe Department of Health and Social Security, London, died on 11 January after a long illness. He was 33. Geoffrey John GCriffith Chinnock-Jones was born at Cirk, North Wales, on 10 May 1941 and educated at Llangollen Grammar School and the Middlesex Hospitl, graduating in 1963. Af-ter house appointments at the Middlesex and at the Hospital of Sft. John and St. Elizabeth he became assistant lecturer in pathology at the Bland-Sutton Institute. In 1967 -he went up to Jesus College, Cambridge, to read English, and as he had no grant he worked in general practice in the city. Later, while working as a houseman in obstetrics, he fell ill. On resuming work he became a senior house officer in anaesthetics at the Westminster, but had to abandon this studies because of
increasing disa;bility. Geoffrey had a laconic wit and a stoic courage. He was not only a good student but a cultured man who read widely and travelled extensively in ,his beloved Spain, and as his friend I wi11 remember him for his good counsel. He is survived by his wife and by his sister, wbo are iboth doctors. -A.M.G.
BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
W. O'BRIEN M.B., B.CH., B.A.O., D.P.H.
Dr. W. O'Brien, formerly in general practice at Woodhouse, Sheffield, died at his home in Dublin on 14 January. He was 87. William O'Brien was born on 15 July 1887, the son of a doctor. He graduated in medicine at Dublin in 1911 and served in the R.A.M.C. throughout the first world war. In 1919 he took the diploma in public health and entered general practice at Heeley, Sheffield, shortly afterwards becoming a principal at Woodhouse. In 1959 he retired to live outside Dublin. Loss of his sight through glaucoma in 1972 was a severe blow which he accepted bravely. Dr. O1Brien wa-s well loved by his patients, especially the older ones in his large practice, and he became a much respected family doctor. He rarely missed a meeting of the Siheffield Medico-Chirurgical Society. He was president of the local branch of the British Legion, and was a keen fisherman and golfer. Two of his children are in general practice and another is a veterinary
surgeon.-P.W.O'B.
ANNE BROMLEY B.A., M B., B.CHIR..
Dr. Anne Bromley, medical assistant cytologist at Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, and Wycombe General Hospital, died on 11 February. She was 44. Anne Bromley was born on 29 November 1930 and educated at Cambridge University and the Middlesex Hospital, where she graduated in medicine in 1955, taking the Gonjoint diploma two years later. After house appointments she trained in pathology at Mount Vernon Hospital and then as lecturer in the department of cancer research at that ihospital. From 1965 to 1969 she was part-ime lecturer in cytology in the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Royal Postgraduate Medical School. She was also clinical assistant in cytology at Mount Vernon Hospital and ran a "well women',fs" clinic there. An excellent cytologist, she was a delightful oolleague to work with, and, despite her fanIjiy comnmitments, nothing asked of her was too much trouble. She is survived by her husband and son.-M.H.B., G.W.S.A.
E.W. and O.A.N.H. write: From the tine Dr. Bromley attended one of the first cytology training courses held at Hammersmith Hospital in 1964 she served the cause of cytology with competence and enthusiasm. In fact she herself lectured at subsequent courses. She had a great sense of humour and was dearly loved by all who worked with her.
J. JOHNSTONE O.B.E., M.B., CH.B., D.P.H.
J. Johnstone, formerly physiciansuperintendent of Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride, died on 29 January. He was 86. Dr.
743
29 MARCH 1975
James Johnstone was born at Glasgow on 13 June 1888 and educated at Hamilton Academy and Glasgow University, where he graduated in medicine in 1911, taking the D.P.H. at Cambridge in 1913. After house appointments he became in 1916 an assistant medical officer of health in Lanark public health department. In 1922 he was appointed physician-superintendent of Hairmyres Hospital and occupied the post for the next 31 years until his retiral. He made a special study of tuberculosis and to further his knowledge travelled abroad extensively. He was responsible for the institution at Hairmyres of a thoracic surgical unit at a time when the surgical treatment of pulmonary tuberclosis was in its infancy. At the outbreak of war in 1939 he saw his sanatorium expand into a large E.M.S. general hospital of over 1100 beds. Under his guidance the transformation proceeded smoothly, but his main interest remained in the treatment of tuberculosis. In 1947 he was appointed O.B.E. After his retiral in 1953 he served for several years as a parttime member of the pneumoconiosis medical panel at Glasgow. Dr. Johnstone was a vicepresident of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Zoological Society. He was a vice-president of East Kilbride Curling Club, a keen football fan, and an enthusiastic bridge player. His first wife died in 1948. He is survived by his second wife and by a son and daughter of his first marriage.-J.I.W.
F. G. ALLAN
and are grateful for his friendship and ready help. He is survived by his wuife, three daughters, and son.-M.H.M.H.
F. J. L. LANG M.B.E., T.D., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.
Dr. F. J. L. Lang, who for many years was in general practice at Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, died on 11 Mardh. He wais 72. Frederick Jacques Leon Lang was born in London on 22 March 1902 and educated at Haberdashers' Aske's School and St. Mary's Hospital, where he qualified in 1926. In 1935 he joined an old-established practice at Hoddesdon, becoming a senior partner in 1944. From his student days he was a medical officer in the Teritorial Army, from wuhich he eventually retired after 35 years' service. During the second world war he was in the Middle East for four years and in command of various Army hospitals. In 1956 he was appointed M.B.E. As an officer in the St. John Ambulance Association he instructed local units, and he was also the local factory surgeon. Freddie served on the urban district council and in 1962 was its chairman. He was an active member of the B.M.A. and a long-serving member of the executive committee of its East Herts Division. A keen gardener, he took many prizes for his roses. The conmunity has lost a good doctor, friend, and counsellor, and he will be sadly missed. His wife died in 1973 and he is survived by his son and daughter.-J.D.S.K.
M.B., B.S., F.R.C.S.
Mr. F. G. Allan, orthopaedic surgeon in the Midlands, died on 15 February. He was 74. Francis Glen Allan was born on 21 March 1900 and auaLified at St. Thomas's Hospital in 1923. After a house appointment at St. Thomas's he became an assistant at the Royal Cripples Hospital, Birmingham. Thereafter he spent his professional life in the Midlands, mainly at the Royal Orhopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, the Child,ren's Hospital, and the Warwickshire Orthopaedic Hospital. His association with the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital was a strong one and he eventually became head of the Hereford team of surgeons, miaintaining the position until his retirement in 1966. He continued to work for the hospital's management committee up to the time of his death. Throughout the second world war his clinical practice was extensive and his experience can have been rivalled by few. A paper read in 1961 gave details of 125 tibial, 96 femoral, and 30 combined femoral and tibial lengthenings. A leader in the field of scoliosis surgery, he produced an interal metal appliance, the Allan jack, to correct the deform-ity in situ. He built up an extensive personal series of patients operated on for congenital high scapula. His interest in orthopaedics lasted until the day he died, and in his 74th year he was not only seeing patients and operatig but was a regular attender at orthopaedic meetings. A man of quiet charm, ready humour, and evident shyness, Mr. Allan had extaordinary surgical courage, inventiveness, and determination. His colleagues mourn his passing
V. B. RECKITT M.B., B.S., M.R.C.G.P.
Dr. Vincent Reckitt, a senior member of the staff of the Department of Health and Social Security at Leeds, died on 17 February. He was 64. Vincent Booth Reckitt was born on 25 August 1910. After qualifying at Guy's in 1933 he was house surgeon in the E.N.T. department there and afterwards settled in general practice at Streatiam. War service from 1939 to 1945 as a major, R.A.M.C., interrupted his career, but on resuming civilian life he combined a busy general pr-actice with active part-time empoyment in war pensions and industrial injuriers medical boarding. In 1946 he gave up practice and joined the Department of Health and Social Security at Cardiff, going to Leeds in 1971. Vincen(t Redkitt impressed his colleagues as a man of mature judgement, thoroughly reliable and efficient in eveThing he undertook. He had been president of the Southwest London Medical Society, a member of the College of General Practitioners, and dhairman of its South London faculty, but found time to develop keen antiquarian interests as a member of the Royal Archaeological Institute and the Historical Association, and he devoted mudh voluntary effort to the Institution of Professional Civil Servants. He is survived by his wife and
daughters.-G.O.M.
BRITISH MEDICAL RTS
74
EIA
JOURNAL ORA
29
MARCH
1975
9MRH17
OBITUARY NOTICES
C. L. COPE B.A., D.M., F.RC.P.
Dr. Cuthbert Cope, emeritus reader in metabolic medicine at the Royal Postgrduate Medical School and honorary visiting physician to Hammermith Hospital, died suddenly on 12 March. He was 71. Cuthberit Leslie Cope was bor on 21 May 1903 and educated at Oxford and University College Hospital, where he also held this residency appointments. He began research as a Beit Fellow in 1929 in the biochemistry department at Oxford. His first interest was renal excretion of non-threshold substances (sulphate, creatinine) and in 1931-2, ait the Rockefeller Hosiftal, New York, with D. D. Van Slyke, he further analysed renal function tests. He studied the excretion of a non-metabolizable sugar, xylose, as an indicator of glomerular filtration. On his return to Britain he continued in the medical units successively at St. Thomas's Hospital, University College Hospital, and the Radcliffe Infimary. In 1942 he became a lieutenant-colonel in the R.A.M.C., serving in France and Holland and af,ter the armistice in Norway. From 1947 to 1949 he was director of human problems research in the Coal Board, after which he was appointed to the staff of the Postgraduate Medical School. Tihis began his most productive period, mainly on the adrenal cortical steroid hormones. In this rapidly advancing and exciting field enthusiasm neve-r overcame his precise and cautious judgement. His isotope-labelled dilution technique put the reliability of estimation of cortisol activity on a new level of accuracy. With Llaurado in 1954 he had evidence of excess secretion of aldosterone in a case of potassium-losing nephropathy and narrowly missed priority in defining a new syndrome described in the following year by Conn. These fruitfiul endeavours were slowly appreciated outside this country, and he came to be regarded as one of our most renowned endocrinologists. "Retirement" at 65 was for hiim an opportunity for more time for his laboratory work and he not only revised his Adrenal Steroids and Disease (1972) but crowned his life with another brilliantly perfectionist article in Clinical Science as recendy as Feuary. Like his uncle Zachary he never stopped while he had breath. "Copey," as he was affectionately known, was modest, self-effacing, and shy. He never sought publicity or even the prestige of an academic
By his gentle personality, his integrity, and his full responsibility for every detail in his scientific life ihe was an inspiration to many and indeed was the most reliable and loved colleague. His home life with his wife Eileen was ideal and they had two sons of whom he was justly proud. One of them is in the medical profession and the other is the youngest member of the Headmasiters'
Conference.-J.McM.
G.M.B. writes: Dr. Cope will be greatly missed by the many medical men and women who worked and studied with him, and to whom he s1howed his humanity, healthy cynicism, logical and analytical mind, and clinical acumen. Many endocrinologists owe him a great debt, for he was always interested in the development of those who had been with him, encouraging them with great kindness in their scientific endeavours, and they in their turn admired and were fond of him. His advice was frequently sought and generously given. His many friends throughout the world will long remember him.
F. C. PYBUS M.S., F.R.C.S., D.C.L.
F.W.R writes: During some 30 years Professor Pybus assembled a collection of medical bookls of extraordinary richness, rarity, and importance. It establishes him firmly in the fine tradition of great collecting by medical men. He knew Vesalius and Albinus, Harvey and Hunter, as well as he knew his colleagues, and he revelled in their conmany. A day with him, surrounded by his books, paintings, and engavings, was an unforgettable experience. His presentation of this great collection to the University Library of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1965, despite enticements from home and abroad, was to put his greatest love into the safe keeping of the institution he served so well.
Professor F. C. Pybus, emeritus professor of surgery, Durham University, died on 10 March. He was 91. Frederick Charles Pybus was born on 2 November 1883 and graduated in medicine from the Newcastle College of Medicine of Duiiham University in 1906. After house appointments he served in Mesopotamia during the first world war as a major, R.A.M.C. He became surgeon to the Fleming Memorial Hospital for Sick Children and was appointed to the honorary staff of the Royal Victoria Infirmary in 1920 as an assistant surgeon, eventually becoming senior honorary surgeon. He retired in 1944 at the age of 60 and was then made constultant surgeon to the General Hospital, at that time the Municipal Hospital. In 1942 he had been appointed professor of surgery in
Durham University. During ithe second world war he was co-ordinator of the emergency medical hospital services in the Northem Region, and in 1948 at the inception of the N.H.S. became adviser to the re-
gional hospital board. Professor Pybus was trained in an era of surgical giants when only a few confined their activities to single systems, and he became one of the great general surgeons with an international reputation, operating with equal facility on the ith t, nose, and ear, the central nervous system and thax, was deemed to have most distinguished as well as on the abdomen and extremities. himself by observation and research in clini- His early conitributions were in paediatris nt and orthopaedic surgery, but later cal medicine."
chair. Avoiding the heavier chores of administrtin, he concentra-ted his talents where they were best used. Unhurried and patiently methodical in his work, he did not publish until he had something worthwhile to say. In 1972 he was awarded the Moxon medal of the Royal College of Physicians as the peron "who
disease became his main interest and he did much fundamental research on cancer, financed at first by himself and later supported by the British Empire Cancer Campaign. He was a keen and stimulating teacher and a strict disciplinarian, buft humane, considerate, and charmning with patients. An active menber of many medical societies, he was also a Hunterian professor of the Royal College of Surgeons and a past-president of the North-east Surgical Socierty. In 1966 he received the honorary degree of doctor of civil law from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Pirofessor Pybus was a bachelor, a somewhat lonely man who outlived his colleagues but had a few very loyal friends. -G.Y.F.
G. J. G. CHINNOCK-JONES M.A., M.B., B.S.
Dr. G. J. G. Ohinnock-Jones, who was a medical officer in tihe Department of Health and Social Security, London, died on 11 January after a long illness. He was 33. Geoffrey John GCriffith Chinnock-Jones was born at Cirk, North Wales, on 10 May 1941 and educated at Llangollen Grammar School and the Middlesex Hospitl, graduating in 1963. Af-ter house appointments at the Middlesex and at the Hospital of Sft. John and St. Elizabeth he became assistant lecturer in pathology at the Bland-Sutton Institute. In 1967 -he went up to Jesus College, Cambridge, to read English, and as he had no grant he worked in general practice in the city. Later, while working as a houseman in obstetrics, he fell ill. On resuming work he became a senior house officer in anaesthetics at the Westminster, but had to abandon this studies because of
increasing disa;bility. Geoffrey had a laconic wit and a stoic courage. He was not only a good student but a cultured man who read widely and travelled extensively in ,his beloved Spain, and as his friend I wi11 remember him for his good counsel. He is survived by his wife and by his sister, wbo are iboth doctors. -A.M.G.
BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
W. O'BRIEN M.B., B.CH., B.A.O., D.P.H.
Dr. W. O'Brien, formerly in general practice at Woodhouse, Sheffield, died at his home in Dublin on 14 January. He was 87. William O'Brien was born on 15 July 1887, the son of a doctor. He graduated in medicine at Dublin in 1911 and served in the R.A.M.C. throughout the first world war. In 1919 he took the diploma in public health and entered general practice at Heeley, Sheffield, shortly afterwards becoming a principal at Woodhouse. In 1959 he retired to live outside Dublin. Loss of his sight through glaucoma in 1972 was a severe blow which he accepted bravely. Dr. O1Brien wa-s well loved by his patients, especially the older ones in his large practice, and he became a much respected family doctor. He rarely missed a meeting of the Siheffield Medico-Chirurgical Society. He was president of the local branch of the British Legion, and was a keen fisherman and golfer. Two of his children are in general practice and another is a veterinary
surgeon.-P.W.O'B.
ANNE BROMLEY B.A., M B., B.CHIR..
Dr. Anne Bromley, medical assistant cytologist at Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, and Wycombe General Hospital, died on 11 February. She was 44. Anne Bromley was born on 29 November 1930 and educated at Cambridge University and the Middlesex Hospital, where she graduated in medicine in 1955, taking the Gonjoint diploma two years later. After house appointments she trained in pathology at Mount Vernon Hospital and then as lecturer in the department of cancer research at that ihospital. From 1965 to 1969 she was part-ime lecturer in cytology in the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Royal Postgraduate Medical School. She was also clinical assistant in cytology at Mount Vernon Hospital and ran a "well women',fs" clinic there. An excellent cytologist, she was a delightful oolleague to work with, and, despite her fanIjiy comnmitments, nothing asked of her was too much trouble. She is survived by her husband and son.-M.H.B., G.W.S.A.
E.W. and O.A.N.H. write: From the tine Dr. Bromley attended one of the first cytology training courses held at Hammersmith Hospital in 1964 she served the cause of cytology with competence and enthusiasm. In fact she herself lectured at subsequent courses. She had a great sense of humour and was dearly loved by all who worked with her.
J. JOHNSTONE O.B.E., M.B., CH.B., D.P.H.
J. Johnstone, formerly physiciansuperintendent of Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride, died on 29 January. He was 86. Dr.
743
29 MARCH 1975
James Johnstone was born at Glasgow on 13 June 1888 and educated at Hamilton Academy and Glasgow University, where he graduated in medicine in 1911, taking the D.P.H. at Cambridge in 1913. After house appointments he became in 1916 an assistant medical officer of health in Lanark public health department. In 1922 he was appointed physician-superintendent of Hairmyres Hospital and occupied the post for the next 31 years until his retiral. He made a special study of tuberculosis and to further his knowledge travelled abroad extensively. He was responsible for the institution at Hairmyres of a thoracic surgical unit at a time when the surgical treatment of pulmonary tuberclosis was in its infancy. At the outbreak of war in 1939 he saw his sanatorium expand into a large E.M.S. general hospital of over 1100 beds. Under his guidance the transformation proceeded smoothly, but his main interest remained in the treatment of tuberculosis. In 1947 he was appointed O.B.E. After his retiral in 1953 he served for several years as a parttime member of the pneumoconiosis medical panel at Glasgow. Dr. Johnstone was a vicepresident of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Zoological Society. He was a vice-president of East Kilbride Curling Club, a keen football fan, and an enthusiastic bridge player. His first wife died in 1948. He is survived by his second wife and by a son and daughter of his first marriage.-J.I.W.
F. G. ALLAN
and are grateful for his friendship and ready help. He is survived by his wuife, three daughters, and son.-M.H.M.H.
F. J. L. LANG M.B.E., T.D., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.
Dr. F. J. L. Lang, who for many years was in general practice at Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, died on 11 Mardh. He wais 72. Frederick Jacques Leon Lang was born in London on 22 March 1902 and educated at Haberdashers' Aske's School and St. Mary's Hospital, where he qualified in 1926. In 1935 he joined an old-established practice at Hoddesdon, becoming a senior partner in 1944. From his student days he was a medical officer in the Teritorial Army, from wuhich he eventually retired after 35 years' service. During the second world war he was in the Middle East for four years and in command of various Army hospitals. In 1956 he was appointed M.B.E. As an officer in the St. John Ambulance Association he instructed local units, and he was also the local factory surgeon. Freddie served on the urban district council and in 1962 was its chairman. He was an active member of the B.M.A. and a long-serving member of the executive committee of its East Herts Division. A keen gardener, he took many prizes for his roses. The conmunity has lost a good doctor, friend, and counsellor, and he will be sadly missed. His wife died in 1973 and he is survived by his son and daughter.-J.D.S.K.
M.B., B.S., F.R.C.S.
Mr. F. G. Allan, orthopaedic surgeon in the Midlands, died on 15 February. He was 74. Francis Glen Allan was born on 21 March 1900 and auaLified at St. Thomas's Hospital in 1923. After a house appointment at St. Thomas's he became an assistant at the Royal Cripples Hospital, Birmingham. Thereafter he spent his professional life in the Midlands, mainly at the Royal Orhopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, the Child,ren's Hospital, and the Warwickshire Orthopaedic Hospital. His association with the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital was a strong one and he eventually became head of the Hereford team of surgeons, miaintaining the position until his retirement in 1966. He continued to work for the hospital's management committee up to the time of his death. Throughout the second world war his clinical practice was extensive and his experience can have been rivalled by few. A paper read in 1961 gave details of 125 tibial, 96 femoral, and 30 combined femoral and tibial lengthenings. A leader in the field of scoliosis surgery, he produced an interal metal appliance, the Allan jack, to correct the deform-ity in situ. He built up an extensive personal series of patients operated on for congenital high scapula. His interest in orthopaedics lasted until the day he died, and in his 74th year he was not only seeing patients and operatig but was a regular attender at orthopaedic meetings. A man of quiet charm, ready humour, and evident shyness, Mr. Allan had extaordinary surgical courage, inventiveness, and determination. His colleagues mourn his passing
V. B. RECKITT M.B., B.S., M.R.C.G.P.
Dr. Vincent Reckitt, a senior member of the staff of the Department of Health and Social Security at Leeds, died on 17 February. He was 64. Vincent Booth Reckitt was born on 25 August 1910. After qualifying at Guy's in 1933 he was house surgeon in the E.N.T. department there and afterwards settled in general practice at Streatiam. War service from 1939 to 1945 as a major, R.A.M.C., interrupted his career, but on resuming civilian life he combined a busy general pr-actice with active part-time empoyment in war pensions and industrial injuriers medical boarding. In 1946 he gave up practice and joined the Department of Health and Social Security at Cardiff, going to Leeds in 1971. Vincen(t Redkitt impressed his colleagues as a man of mature judgement, thoroughly reliable and efficient in eveThing he undertook. He had been president of the Southwest London Medical Society, a member of the College of General Practitioners, and dhairman of its South London faculty, but found time to develop keen antiquarian interests as a member of the Royal Archaeological Institute and the Historical Association, and he devoted mudh voluntary effort to the Institution of Professional Civil Servants. He is survived by his wife and
daughters.-G.O.M.
