BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
993
15 APRIL 1978
OBITUARY Sir STEWART DUKE-ELDER GCVO, MA, MD, PHD, FRCP, FRCS, FRS
Sir Stewart Duke-Elder, life president, emeridirector of research, and honorary fellow of the Institute of Ophthalmology, London, and formerly consultant ophthalmic surgeon to St George's Hospital and Moorfields, died on 27 March. He was 79. Stewart Duke-Elder was born on 22 April 1898 at Tealing, near Dundee, the son of a Scottish minister. He was educated tus
at
Gordon
Acad-
and St Andrews University, where he
emy
graduated with
1919
MA
class honouLrs natural and
also
in
first-
in
science took
the
BSc with distinction
He
in
physiology.
qualified
in
1923, obtained the FRCS
in
1924,
and proceeded MD in 1925. Farly in his career he devoted some time to research in the physiology of the eye at University College London with Professor Starling and in biochemistry with Dr Drummond. In this work he became interested in the mechanism of raised intraocular pressure and the causes of glaucoma, and in 1932 he published the first volume of his Textbook of Ophthalmology, concerning the development, form, and function of the visual apparatus. He had built up a large private practice, and in 1932 he operated upon the then Prime Minister, Ramsay Macdonald, for glaucoma. At an early age he was appointed surgeon oculist to King Edward VIII and subsequently to King George VI and then to the present Queen. He was knighted in 1933 and appointed KCVO in 1946 and GCVO in 1958. Duke-Elder was doubtless best known for his many contributions to medical literature, the first and foremost being the Textbook of Ophthalmology in seven volumes (1932-54), which was a stupendous achievement by a man who wrote every word of it himself before it was submitted for typing. Having finished this, and realising that some of it needed rewriting and bringing up to date, he decided to bring out a much larger work, entitled System of Ophthalmology, in 15 volumes, the first being published in 1958 and the last in 1976. In several of these he enlisted the help of some of his colleagues, but there is no doubt that the inspiration and direction were his. Early in life he learnt to depend upon fewer hours of sleep than most people need, and that is part of the explanation of his amazing output of learned papers and books from 1924 until the outbreak of war in 1939 and then again from 1945 onward. Apart from these major works and a series of articles in many ophthalmic and scientific journals, Duke-Elder was for many years editor-in-chief of the British Jrournal of
Ophthalmology and of Ophthalmic Literatuire. The amalgamation of the three main eye hospitals in London (Moorfields, the Royal Westminster, and the Central London) and the formation of the Institute of Ophthalmology in the building of the Central London were put into action a year before the inauguration of the NHS, and this was largely due to the efforts of Sir Stewart, encouraged and assisted by Sir John Parsons and Ida Mann. As director of research at the institute for 17 years he organised and co-ordinated the research work in its departments. He gave much time to arranging projects, interviewing would-be research workers, and planning the best way to use the financial resources available. At the same time he was instrumental in acquiring financial help from charitable organisations to expand research projects. Over the years the institute has been the means of training numbers of young ophthalmologists in research methods and of encouraging them to continue to make some useful contribution to the science of ophthalmology. It was largely his work at the institute that won Sir Stewart a distinction rarely conferred nowadays upon members of the medical profession who are primarily engaged in clinical work-the fellowship of the Royal Society. The establishment of a special final fellowship examination in ophthalmology at the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1947 was mainly due to his persuasive efforts. Although previously such an examination had been available, it was of little practical value, since anyone who wished to sit for it had to pass the fellowship examination in general surgery first. In 1945 he was one of the pioneers who set up the Faculty of Ophthalmologists with its headquarters at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and he was its first president, holding office for four years. His private practice was enormous, not only because of his clinical skill and judgment, but also because of his kindness and his concern for each patient's welfare and for the solace he could give even to a patient whose case was hopeless. His opinion was sought from all over the world. In the second world war he was consultant ophthalmic surgeon to the Army, with the rank of brigadier. He thoroughly enjoyed his Army service, and the administrative experience he gained was a great help to him in the postwar epoch. His Army duties included visits to overseas hospitals and units in many theatres of the war. He was subsequently civilian consultant to the RAF and also ophthalmic adviser to the ministries of health, supply, and labour, and to the London Transport Board. He served as president of the International Council of Ophthalmology for a long period, and on retiring from the chair was unanimously elected as honorary life president. For many years Sir Stewart and his wife Phyllis entertained numbers of foreign ophthalmologists at their home in London, and their hospitality and friendliness were well known. He was a warm-hearted and friendly Scot and a very approachable person with a
delightfully informal manner. With his charming smile and puckish sense of humour he would at once put strangers at their ease. He also had the ability to listen and to take a friendly interest in the personal problems of his colleagues. His advice was invariably sound and given with careful thought. Sometimes at committee meetings he would sit silently while others were arguing at length, and then quite suddenly and quietly he would sum up the problem with a wise and simple solution, rendering further discussion unnecessary. He was made an honorary member of practically all the ophthalmological societies in the world and of many other scientific bodies, and was given numerous honorary degrees and fellowships. In 1954 Sir Stewart was appointed Hospitaller of the Order of St John of Jerusalem in succession to Lord WebbJohnson. In 1882 under the Ottoman government a British eye hospital and ophthalmic dispensary had been built near the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem by the Order of St John for the benefit of the many people living in Palestine who suffered from eye disease. After the disturbances of 1947-8 the hospital was in the Israeli side of Jerusalem, so that Arab patients could no longer be treated there. To cater for them a temporary hospital was set up in two houses in the centre of the old city. Sir Stewart worked hard to get a better hospital. He aroused the interest of many influential people and contributions gradually flowed in, with the result that a magnificently equipped new St John Ophthalmic Hospital in east Jerusalem was opened in 1960. Before the hospital was completed he organised the building of a set of pathological laboratories in the hospital compound where early research into the cause of trachoma was carried out. He worked indefatigably as Hospitaller, making all the appointments to the medical and nursing staff, keeping the equipment up to date, seeking financial help, and with Lady DukeElder visiting the hospital regularly every year. Sir Stewart was a happily married man with a charming wife who greatly helped and supported him throughout his professional life. In the 1930s Phyllis Duke-Elder, who survives him, was often seen at work in the library at the Royal Society of Medicine, checking references and making abstracts for Stewart. She had graduated in medicine in 1926 and subsequently worked as clinical assistant in Stewart's outpatient clinic at Moorfields. During the second world war she was in charge of the Zachary Merton Hospital at Banstead, to which he referred special cases for investigation from the Army. One of Stewart's most successful years was 1950, when he chaired the 16th International Congress of Ophthalmology in London, which was attended by over 1000 members from 64 nations. Stewart and Phyllis, aided by a multitude of helpers, made the occasion a very happy one, encouraging everyone with cheerful informality. They were a unique pair of most
charming people.-TKL.
994
BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
R WOOD POWER TD, MB, BCH, BAO, FRCSI, DPH
Mr Wood Power, late consultant surgeon to the Hereford group of hospitals, died on 3 March. He was 82. Richard Wood Power was born at Tullamore, Ireland, on 9 February 1896 and educated at ood -------Clongowes SchoolandTrinity
College, Dublin,
i where he studied medicine. His studies were interw 1 | rupted by the first / R XLworld war, during
-...........
_!
which he served as
a
surgeon
probationer in
a
destroyer and was in the battle of _l# Jutland. After the war he completed his medical course and then took the FRCSI and the DPH. He was appointed house surgeon at Cheltenham General Hospital and subsequently to a similar appointment at Hereford General Hospital. After study in Vienna he was appointed honorary orthopaedic surgeon to Hereford General Hospital and in 1928 was elected honorary general surgeon. With the introduction of the NHS he became senior surgeon to the Herefordshire group of hospitals and held the appointment until he retired in 1961. He was in the RAMC (TA) and was mobilised in 1939. As officer commanding surgical division in several general hospitals he saw service in Norway, north Africa, France, and Germany. He was chairman of the Hereford Division of the BMA in 1947, and president of its Worcester and Hereford Branch from 1950 to 1954. Dick, as he was known to his numerous friends, was a first-class general surgeon and did an immense amount of work in Hereford, from which countless people benefited and to which many owe their lives. His methods were always up to date and frequently in advance of current thinking. An outstanding sportsman, he played full-back at rugby for Trinity, and was also captain of the cricket team. He played for the Gentleman of Ireland and later appeared regularly for Worcester and Hereford. He played tennis, golf, and squash well, and in later years became an excellent croquet player. He was a good shot, and had his own stretch of water on the Wye near his home in Fownhope. Immensely popular, he had a delightful sense of humour, which was enjoyed by his wide circle of friends in Hereford and Ireland. A devout Catholic, he was the holder of the papal decoration "Bene Merenti," of which he was very proud. He is survived by his wife Margery and by a daughter and two sons.-JW.
the Distinguished Service Cross and a mention in dispatches for gallantry in action while medical officer to a river gunboat, HMS Mantis. After the war he served in various naval hospitals, specialising in general surgery and ophthalmology. Among other appointments he was principal medical officer to the battleships Emperor of India and Revenge. He was promoted surgeon captain in 1934. During the second world war he was surgeon captain at a Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital at Newton Abbot and later at a naval training establishment in Great Malvern. Retiring after the war, he settled at Newton Abbot, where he continued the practice of ophthalmology and spent his spare time working in his garden. He was "green fingered" to a degree, and was actually gardening the week before he died. Surgeon Captain Shorten was an all-round sportsman -a good shot, a keen fisherman, and a firstclass golfer. In 1929 he was the Dorset County golf champion. He is survived by his daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.-JCG.
A 0 GRAY MD, FRCPED, FRCS, FRCOG
15
APRIL
1978
1947 to 1952 and became its chairman. His main hobby was playing the organ, and he was vice-president of the Stock Exchange Orchestral Society for many years. When he lived at Rye he built an observatory with a six-inch refractor telescope to study astronomy. In many ways he was a shy, retiring sort of man, but a man of exceptional kindliness, which, together with his skill as a surgeon, brought him fame and happiness. He is survived by his daughter Heather, and for many years was fortunate to be cared for by his devoted niece Dorothy.-HA.
A BARRETT MB, CHB, DPH
Dr A Barrett, formerly in general practice at Manchester, died on 21 February. He was 93. Allan Barrett was educated at Stockport Grammar School, which he left at the age of 14 to begin an industrial career at his father's mill. But business was not for him, and after matriculating he entered Manchester University and graduated in medicine in 1913. In 1921 he took the DPH. He served in the RAMC during the first world war and saw action on the Somme. His main life's work was yet to come, and on demobilisation he and his wife, Ada Lois Bentz, whom he had married in 1913, settled down together in general practice at Hulme, Manchester, where he worked until retirement in 1948, before the inception of the NHS. He was happy when among his patients, most of whom lived in the small terraced property that surrounded his surgery, and he obtained fulfilment in advising and aiding them during the difficult period of the great depression and second world war. He was a modest man and always claimed that any success he may have had was due to common sense and tact rather than to medical expertise. He was in fact doctor, adviser, confessor, and social worker to all his patients. Modern general practice with its health centres, group practices, secretaries, ancillary workers, and weekend and night rotas was unknown to him-he remained the true family doctor of his era, who only knew how to serve his patients on a personal basis. After retirement from practice he continued to carry out duties as chairman of the local pension board until he finally ceased medical work in the early 'fifties. The last 30 years of his long life were spent enjoying the company of his wife and family, and, though physical frailty gradually increased, his mental powers remained alert until the end. He was an intellectual and obtained great enjoyment from literature and conversation. He took a keen interest in politics and world affairs, and could read and speak fluent Spanish. He was widowed in 1975 and leaves a daughter and granddaughter, both of whom have qualified in medicine at Manchester University, and a great-grandson.-DHC.
Mr A 0 Gray, a London gynaecologist, died peacefully at Kingston Gorse, Sussex, on 20 March. He was 89. Arthur Oliver Gray was educated at Barnard Castle School, County Durham. He wanted to be an engineer, like his father, but it was thought that he was not strong enough for this. The family was not well off, and in those days grants were not available, but he went to the Royal Dental Hospital and qualified as a dentist in 1911. He then got a scholarship to the Middlesex Hospital Medical School. He won the senior Brodrip scholarship and the Lyle gold medal and scholarship, and qualified with the Conjoint diploma in 1913. After the usual house jobs he became the first resident anaesthetist at the Middlesex, having to anaesthetise desperately ill emergency patients -"Like being flung in at the deep end," he said. He then took a resident post at the City of London Maternity Hospital. During the first world war he joined the Royal Navy as a surgeon, serving at Haslar Hospital. He was then in charge of the surgical section of the hospital ship China with the Grand Fleet at Scapa Flow. After demobilisation he became obstetric registrar and tutor at the Middlesex for three and a half years, and he started the first antenatal clinic at the hospital. He was also pathologist to the City of London Maternity Hospital. In 1932 he joined the staff of Charing Cross Hospital, becoming senior obstetric physician in 1938. He had previously been appointed consultant gynaecologist to St Charles's, the Miller General, and Hampstead General hospitals, and he had an extensive private practice. Arthur Gray was a skilful and safe surgeon, Surgeon Captain J P SHORTEN but he always said that his favourite hospital DSC, LRCPI, LRCSI, late RN occupation was undergraduate teaching. Dur- H L BECKITT Surgeon Captain J P Shorten died on 23 ing the second world war he was for a time MRCS, LRCP resident surgeon at Hampstead General February after a short illness. He was 89.
James Percy Shorten, the son of a country doctor in Ireland, qualified in 1910 and joined the Royal Naval Medical Service before the outbreak of the first world war. He saw service with the Harwich Force and in the Mesopotamian campaign, where he was awarded
Hospital in the EMS, but he continued to teach the students at Charing Cross Hospital and became vice-dean during the war. He was a founder member of the College of Obstetricians and became a fellow in 1937. He served on the Hospital Recognition Committee from
Dr Henry Beckitt, who was formerly in general practice at Derby, died on 15 February. He was 75. Henry Lloyd Beckitt was a native of Oswestry, Shropshire. Before entering the London Hospital in 1927 he had already
BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
995
15 APRIL 1978
qualified as a pharmacist. In 1932 he qualified with the Conjoint diploma and became a casualty officer and later a house surgeon at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. In 1934 he went into general practice at Derby. As a student Henry was a cross-country runner, but was affectionately known as Old Joe, after the heavyweight boxer Joe Beckett. As a resident he was trustworthy, sound, and much esteemed; in general practice popular and successful. His colour and open countenance gave him the look of a countryman. He was well read and had an informed mind. Although too kindly to be a good competitor, he played golf regularly. In 1963 ill health forced him to retire prematurely. With a devoted wife and family, he faced his troubles with uncomplaining resignation. Incapable of self-deception, he was free from jealousies and everyone's friend. Dr Beckitt is survived by his wife Betty and two daughters.-RPB.
which had great charm. She never had an unkind word to say of any of her colleagues, and was always ready to listen sympathetically and to advise on problems. She retained an interest in occupational medicine after retirement, although she never aspired to the role of elder statesman. Her main interests lay in gardening and in hill walking, spending holidays in the Highlands and the Alps. She is survived by her husband.-WDB.
R McD SCOTT MB, CHB
Dr Robert Scott, who was in general practice at Portsoy, Banffshire, died suddenly on 18 February. He was 52. Robert McDonald Scott graduated in medicine at Aberdeen University in 1951 after serving in the
Royal Navy during
SIBYL G HORNER CBE, MB, BS, DPH, DIH
Dr Sibyl Horner, one of the pioneers of occupational medicine in Britain, died on 14 February. She was 82. Sibyl Gertrude Overton was born in Sussex in 1895, the youngest of a family of five daughters. She decided to take up medicine at a time when the profession was much more a male preserve than today. After her medical education at the London School of Medicine for Women she took the Conjoint diploma in 1919 and the London MB two years later. Thereafter she held house appointments at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Bristol; the Evelina Children's Hospital in London; and the Charing Cross Hospital, where she studied dermatology. This early experience had two major influences that remained for the rest of her life-a concern for the welfare of children and young persons and an interest in occupational dermatitis. She had decided on a career in public health and obtained a post as assistant school medical officer with the London County Council. By this time she had taken the Oxford DPH. In 1924, when still only 28 years of age, she was successful in her application for a post as a woman medical inspector of factories. The remainder of her medical career was spent as a medical inspector, progressing to HM deputy senior medical inspector in 1948 and in 1957 to HM senior medical inspector, a post she held with distinction until her retirement in 1961. In 1931 she married Captain Bernard Stuart Horner. In 1953 she was presented with an honorary diploma in industrial health by
the Society of Apothecaries in acknowledgment of her outstanding position in occupational health, and in 1957 her appointment as CBE
recognised the esteem with which she was generally held and her contribution to occupational medicine over a period of more than 30 years. Sibyl Horner was a perfectionist whose attention to detail was legendary. She had her idiosyncrasies, such as her fondness for hats, her habit of surrounding herself with enormous piles of files, and a tendency to call meetings at times when her colleagues' thoughts were more of departure for home. These characteristics are now recalled as part of her personality,
the second world war. He moved to the Portsoy area soon afterwards to follow a career in general He found in this small fishing villwith its age surrounding farmland an environment that never lost its attraction for him. He was devoted to his patients, and enjoyed the scope that a singlehanded practice in a somewhat isolated area offered to use the traditional skills of the country doctor. He would have changed it for no other branch of medicine. He was a voracious reader, and, possessing an excellent memory, was a source of information on the most diverse subjects. He will be remembered by many for a seemingly inexhaustible fund of funny stories, which he would tell in a variety of accents to keep his audience laughing by the hour. He was indeed a man of cheerful good humour, happy in his work and with his growing-up family. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and three
practice.,i
sons.-MSP.
R J ISAAC MD, MRCP, DCH Dr R J Isaac, who died on 12 March at the age of 73, was formerly consultant paediatrician to Neath and Bridgend hospitals. Rufus John Isaac was born at Cilfynydd, Glamorgan, in 1904, the son of a colliery manager, and was educated at Cyfarthfa Grammar School. His preclinical studies were undertaken at Cardiff before going on to St Mary's Hospital, London, where he qualified with the Conjoint diploma in 1926. He entered general practice immediately, settling into partnership with Dr David Rees at Aberavon. During his years in practice he maintained a lively interest in hospital medicine, attending many of his patients at Port Talbot Hospital. He read constantly, and, despite a heavy work load, especially during the war years, studied for the MRCP, which he obtained in 1946. He proceeded MB, BS in 1947 and MD in
1949. With the advent of the NHS he took up a part-time consultant appointment at Port Talbot Hospital in general medicine and paediatrics. This appointment was a step in a very successful transition to full-time hospital practice, and in 1951 he was appointed consultant paediatrician to the Mid-Glamorgan hospitals group. He established paediatric departments at Neath and Bridgend general hospitals and attended Tonna, Port Talbot, and Maesteg hospitals. The premature-baby nursery at Neath was one of the first in South Wales, at one time receiving patients from the whole of South-west Wales. An able diagnostician, his knowledge was encyclopaedic. He became well known as an expert on rare and unusual syndromes, and was co-author of one of the early papers on galactosaemia. He was a charming, gentle man whose work was his consuming interest. His wisdom and experience, laced with a twinkling, subtle sense of humour, made him an ideal companion. His colleagues respected and admired him and his juniors revered him. Generations of Welsh children have cause to be grateful for his skill. He retired in 1969, but happily acted as locum for another three years before finally giving up practice in 1972. He is survived by his wife, whom he married in 1929, a daughter, and three grandchildren.
-BLlG.
N M MUNRO MD
Dr Norman Munro, formerly in general practice at Luton, died on 27 December. He was 75. Norman Morrison Munro was born in 1902 at Aberdeen, where he was educated at Gordon's College. In 1925 he graduated in medicine at Aberdeen University. After house appointments at Gravesend Hospital and the Dreadnought Hospital he was appointed assistant medical officer to Grove Park Hospital, during which appointment he proceeded MD with commendation in 1931. After a brief spell in general practice at Aberdeen he went to Luton to do a locum in general practice, but stayed in practice at Luton for a period of 30 years. In addition to his busy general practice he devoted much time to other medical activities. In the early days, after a busy evening surgery, he would go to the old Bute Hospital at Luton to assist at operations, and was later appointed as assistant physician to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital. His wisdom and common-sense approach to life were reflected during his long and devoted service to the Luton and Hitchin group hospital management committee. He was also a member of the Bedfordshire executive council, being chairman of the benefits committee. In 1932 he married Dr
Sylvia Doreen Orchard. Dr Munro will be remembered at Luton as a doctor entirely devoted to his profession-as a kind family doctor with a wide perspective and a clear brain dedicated to the welfare of the community he served. His brave and determined acceptance of the disability afflicting his final years was a reflection of his outstanding personality. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter. One of his sons is also a doctor.-TP.
993
15 APRIL 1978
OBITUARY Sir STEWART DUKE-ELDER GCVO, MA, MD, PHD, FRCP, FRCS, FRS
Sir Stewart Duke-Elder, life president, emeridirector of research, and honorary fellow of the Institute of Ophthalmology, London, and formerly consultant ophthalmic surgeon to St George's Hospital and Moorfields, died on 27 March. He was 79. Stewart Duke-Elder was born on 22 April 1898 at Tealing, near Dundee, the son of a Scottish minister. He was educated tus
at
Gordon
Acad-
and St Andrews University, where he
emy
graduated with
1919
MA
class honouLrs natural and
also
in
first-
in
science took
the
BSc with distinction
He
in
physiology.
qualified
in
1923, obtained the FRCS
in
1924,
and proceeded MD in 1925. Farly in his career he devoted some time to research in the physiology of the eye at University College London with Professor Starling and in biochemistry with Dr Drummond. In this work he became interested in the mechanism of raised intraocular pressure and the causes of glaucoma, and in 1932 he published the first volume of his Textbook of Ophthalmology, concerning the development, form, and function of the visual apparatus. He had built up a large private practice, and in 1932 he operated upon the then Prime Minister, Ramsay Macdonald, for glaucoma. At an early age he was appointed surgeon oculist to King Edward VIII and subsequently to King George VI and then to the present Queen. He was knighted in 1933 and appointed KCVO in 1946 and GCVO in 1958. Duke-Elder was doubtless best known for his many contributions to medical literature, the first and foremost being the Textbook of Ophthalmology in seven volumes (1932-54), which was a stupendous achievement by a man who wrote every word of it himself before it was submitted for typing. Having finished this, and realising that some of it needed rewriting and bringing up to date, he decided to bring out a much larger work, entitled System of Ophthalmology, in 15 volumes, the first being published in 1958 and the last in 1976. In several of these he enlisted the help of some of his colleagues, but there is no doubt that the inspiration and direction were his. Early in life he learnt to depend upon fewer hours of sleep than most people need, and that is part of the explanation of his amazing output of learned papers and books from 1924 until the outbreak of war in 1939 and then again from 1945 onward. Apart from these major works and a series of articles in many ophthalmic and scientific journals, Duke-Elder was for many years editor-in-chief of the British Jrournal of
Ophthalmology and of Ophthalmic Literatuire. The amalgamation of the three main eye hospitals in London (Moorfields, the Royal Westminster, and the Central London) and the formation of the Institute of Ophthalmology in the building of the Central London were put into action a year before the inauguration of the NHS, and this was largely due to the efforts of Sir Stewart, encouraged and assisted by Sir John Parsons and Ida Mann. As director of research at the institute for 17 years he organised and co-ordinated the research work in its departments. He gave much time to arranging projects, interviewing would-be research workers, and planning the best way to use the financial resources available. At the same time he was instrumental in acquiring financial help from charitable organisations to expand research projects. Over the years the institute has been the means of training numbers of young ophthalmologists in research methods and of encouraging them to continue to make some useful contribution to the science of ophthalmology. It was largely his work at the institute that won Sir Stewart a distinction rarely conferred nowadays upon members of the medical profession who are primarily engaged in clinical work-the fellowship of the Royal Society. The establishment of a special final fellowship examination in ophthalmology at the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1947 was mainly due to his persuasive efforts. Although previously such an examination had been available, it was of little practical value, since anyone who wished to sit for it had to pass the fellowship examination in general surgery first. In 1945 he was one of the pioneers who set up the Faculty of Ophthalmologists with its headquarters at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and he was its first president, holding office for four years. His private practice was enormous, not only because of his clinical skill and judgment, but also because of his kindness and his concern for each patient's welfare and for the solace he could give even to a patient whose case was hopeless. His opinion was sought from all over the world. In the second world war he was consultant ophthalmic surgeon to the Army, with the rank of brigadier. He thoroughly enjoyed his Army service, and the administrative experience he gained was a great help to him in the postwar epoch. His Army duties included visits to overseas hospitals and units in many theatres of the war. He was subsequently civilian consultant to the RAF and also ophthalmic adviser to the ministries of health, supply, and labour, and to the London Transport Board. He served as president of the International Council of Ophthalmology for a long period, and on retiring from the chair was unanimously elected as honorary life president. For many years Sir Stewart and his wife Phyllis entertained numbers of foreign ophthalmologists at their home in London, and their hospitality and friendliness were well known. He was a warm-hearted and friendly Scot and a very approachable person with a
delightfully informal manner. With his charming smile and puckish sense of humour he would at once put strangers at their ease. He also had the ability to listen and to take a friendly interest in the personal problems of his colleagues. His advice was invariably sound and given with careful thought. Sometimes at committee meetings he would sit silently while others were arguing at length, and then quite suddenly and quietly he would sum up the problem with a wise and simple solution, rendering further discussion unnecessary. He was made an honorary member of practically all the ophthalmological societies in the world and of many other scientific bodies, and was given numerous honorary degrees and fellowships. In 1954 Sir Stewart was appointed Hospitaller of the Order of St John of Jerusalem in succession to Lord WebbJohnson. In 1882 under the Ottoman government a British eye hospital and ophthalmic dispensary had been built near the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem by the Order of St John for the benefit of the many people living in Palestine who suffered from eye disease. After the disturbances of 1947-8 the hospital was in the Israeli side of Jerusalem, so that Arab patients could no longer be treated there. To cater for them a temporary hospital was set up in two houses in the centre of the old city. Sir Stewart worked hard to get a better hospital. He aroused the interest of many influential people and contributions gradually flowed in, with the result that a magnificently equipped new St John Ophthalmic Hospital in east Jerusalem was opened in 1960. Before the hospital was completed he organised the building of a set of pathological laboratories in the hospital compound where early research into the cause of trachoma was carried out. He worked indefatigably as Hospitaller, making all the appointments to the medical and nursing staff, keeping the equipment up to date, seeking financial help, and with Lady DukeElder visiting the hospital regularly every year. Sir Stewart was a happily married man with a charming wife who greatly helped and supported him throughout his professional life. In the 1930s Phyllis Duke-Elder, who survives him, was often seen at work in the library at the Royal Society of Medicine, checking references and making abstracts for Stewart. She had graduated in medicine in 1926 and subsequently worked as clinical assistant in Stewart's outpatient clinic at Moorfields. During the second world war she was in charge of the Zachary Merton Hospital at Banstead, to which he referred special cases for investigation from the Army. One of Stewart's most successful years was 1950, when he chaired the 16th International Congress of Ophthalmology in London, which was attended by over 1000 members from 64 nations. Stewart and Phyllis, aided by a multitude of helpers, made the occasion a very happy one, encouraging everyone with cheerful informality. They were a unique pair of most
charming people.-TKL.
994
BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
R WOOD POWER TD, MB, BCH, BAO, FRCSI, DPH
Mr Wood Power, late consultant surgeon to the Hereford group of hospitals, died on 3 March. He was 82. Richard Wood Power was born at Tullamore, Ireland, on 9 February 1896 and educated at ood -------Clongowes SchoolandTrinity
College, Dublin,
i where he studied medicine. His studies were interw 1 | rupted by the first / R XLworld war, during
-...........
_!
which he served as
a
surgeon
probationer in
a
destroyer and was in the battle of _l# Jutland. After the war he completed his medical course and then took the FRCSI and the DPH. He was appointed house surgeon at Cheltenham General Hospital and subsequently to a similar appointment at Hereford General Hospital. After study in Vienna he was appointed honorary orthopaedic surgeon to Hereford General Hospital and in 1928 was elected honorary general surgeon. With the introduction of the NHS he became senior surgeon to the Herefordshire group of hospitals and held the appointment until he retired in 1961. He was in the RAMC (TA) and was mobilised in 1939. As officer commanding surgical division in several general hospitals he saw service in Norway, north Africa, France, and Germany. He was chairman of the Hereford Division of the BMA in 1947, and president of its Worcester and Hereford Branch from 1950 to 1954. Dick, as he was known to his numerous friends, was a first-class general surgeon and did an immense amount of work in Hereford, from which countless people benefited and to which many owe their lives. His methods were always up to date and frequently in advance of current thinking. An outstanding sportsman, he played full-back at rugby for Trinity, and was also captain of the cricket team. He played for the Gentleman of Ireland and later appeared regularly for Worcester and Hereford. He played tennis, golf, and squash well, and in later years became an excellent croquet player. He was a good shot, and had his own stretch of water on the Wye near his home in Fownhope. Immensely popular, he had a delightful sense of humour, which was enjoyed by his wide circle of friends in Hereford and Ireland. A devout Catholic, he was the holder of the papal decoration "Bene Merenti," of which he was very proud. He is survived by his wife Margery and by a daughter and two sons.-JW.
the Distinguished Service Cross and a mention in dispatches for gallantry in action while medical officer to a river gunboat, HMS Mantis. After the war he served in various naval hospitals, specialising in general surgery and ophthalmology. Among other appointments he was principal medical officer to the battleships Emperor of India and Revenge. He was promoted surgeon captain in 1934. During the second world war he was surgeon captain at a Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital at Newton Abbot and later at a naval training establishment in Great Malvern. Retiring after the war, he settled at Newton Abbot, where he continued the practice of ophthalmology and spent his spare time working in his garden. He was "green fingered" to a degree, and was actually gardening the week before he died. Surgeon Captain Shorten was an all-round sportsman -a good shot, a keen fisherman, and a firstclass golfer. In 1929 he was the Dorset County golf champion. He is survived by his daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.-JCG.
A 0 GRAY MD, FRCPED, FRCS, FRCOG
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1947 to 1952 and became its chairman. His main hobby was playing the organ, and he was vice-president of the Stock Exchange Orchestral Society for many years. When he lived at Rye he built an observatory with a six-inch refractor telescope to study astronomy. In many ways he was a shy, retiring sort of man, but a man of exceptional kindliness, which, together with his skill as a surgeon, brought him fame and happiness. He is survived by his daughter Heather, and for many years was fortunate to be cared for by his devoted niece Dorothy.-HA.
A BARRETT MB, CHB, DPH
Dr A Barrett, formerly in general practice at Manchester, died on 21 February. He was 93. Allan Barrett was educated at Stockport Grammar School, which he left at the age of 14 to begin an industrial career at his father's mill. But business was not for him, and after matriculating he entered Manchester University and graduated in medicine in 1913. In 1921 he took the DPH. He served in the RAMC during the first world war and saw action on the Somme. His main life's work was yet to come, and on demobilisation he and his wife, Ada Lois Bentz, whom he had married in 1913, settled down together in general practice at Hulme, Manchester, where he worked until retirement in 1948, before the inception of the NHS. He was happy when among his patients, most of whom lived in the small terraced property that surrounded his surgery, and he obtained fulfilment in advising and aiding them during the difficult period of the great depression and second world war. He was a modest man and always claimed that any success he may have had was due to common sense and tact rather than to medical expertise. He was in fact doctor, adviser, confessor, and social worker to all his patients. Modern general practice with its health centres, group practices, secretaries, ancillary workers, and weekend and night rotas was unknown to him-he remained the true family doctor of his era, who only knew how to serve his patients on a personal basis. After retirement from practice he continued to carry out duties as chairman of the local pension board until he finally ceased medical work in the early 'fifties. The last 30 years of his long life were spent enjoying the company of his wife and family, and, though physical frailty gradually increased, his mental powers remained alert until the end. He was an intellectual and obtained great enjoyment from literature and conversation. He took a keen interest in politics and world affairs, and could read and speak fluent Spanish. He was widowed in 1975 and leaves a daughter and granddaughter, both of whom have qualified in medicine at Manchester University, and a great-grandson.-DHC.
Mr A 0 Gray, a London gynaecologist, died peacefully at Kingston Gorse, Sussex, on 20 March. He was 89. Arthur Oliver Gray was educated at Barnard Castle School, County Durham. He wanted to be an engineer, like his father, but it was thought that he was not strong enough for this. The family was not well off, and in those days grants were not available, but he went to the Royal Dental Hospital and qualified as a dentist in 1911. He then got a scholarship to the Middlesex Hospital Medical School. He won the senior Brodrip scholarship and the Lyle gold medal and scholarship, and qualified with the Conjoint diploma in 1913. After the usual house jobs he became the first resident anaesthetist at the Middlesex, having to anaesthetise desperately ill emergency patients -"Like being flung in at the deep end," he said. He then took a resident post at the City of London Maternity Hospital. During the first world war he joined the Royal Navy as a surgeon, serving at Haslar Hospital. He was then in charge of the surgical section of the hospital ship China with the Grand Fleet at Scapa Flow. After demobilisation he became obstetric registrar and tutor at the Middlesex for three and a half years, and he started the first antenatal clinic at the hospital. He was also pathologist to the City of London Maternity Hospital. In 1932 he joined the staff of Charing Cross Hospital, becoming senior obstetric physician in 1938. He had previously been appointed consultant gynaecologist to St Charles's, the Miller General, and Hampstead General hospitals, and he had an extensive private practice. Arthur Gray was a skilful and safe surgeon, Surgeon Captain J P SHORTEN but he always said that his favourite hospital DSC, LRCPI, LRCSI, late RN occupation was undergraduate teaching. Dur- H L BECKITT Surgeon Captain J P Shorten died on 23 ing the second world war he was for a time MRCS, LRCP resident surgeon at Hampstead General February after a short illness. He was 89.
James Percy Shorten, the son of a country doctor in Ireland, qualified in 1910 and joined the Royal Naval Medical Service before the outbreak of the first world war. He saw service with the Harwich Force and in the Mesopotamian campaign, where he was awarded
Hospital in the EMS, but he continued to teach the students at Charing Cross Hospital and became vice-dean during the war. He was a founder member of the College of Obstetricians and became a fellow in 1937. He served on the Hospital Recognition Committee from
Dr Henry Beckitt, who was formerly in general practice at Derby, died on 15 February. He was 75. Henry Lloyd Beckitt was a native of Oswestry, Shropshire. Before entering the London Hospital in 1927 he had already
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qualified as a pharmacist. In 1932 he qualified with the Conjoint diploma and became a casualty officer and later a house surgeon at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. In 1934 he went into general practice at Derby. As a student Henry was a cross-country runner, but was affectionately known as Old Joe, after the heavyweight boxer Joe Beckett. As a resident he was trustworthy, sound, and much esteemed; in general practice popular and successful. His colour and open countenance gave him the look of a countryman. He was well read and had an informed mind. Although too kindly to be a good competitor, he played golf regularly. In 1963 ill health forced him to retire prematurely. With a devoted wife and family, he faced his troubles with uncomplaining resignation. Incapable of self-deception, he was free from jealousies and everyone's friend. Dr Beckitt is survived by his wife Betty and two daughters.-RPB.
which had great charm. She never had an unkind word to say of any of her colleagues, and was always ready to listen sympathetically and to advise on problems. She retained an interest in occupational medicine after retirement, although she never aspired to the role of elder statesman. Her main interests lay in gardening and in hill walking, spending holidays in the Highlands and the Alps. She is survived by her husband.-WDB.
R McD SCOTT MB, CHB
Dr Robert Scott, who was in general practice at Portsoy, Banffshire, died suddenly on 18 February. He was 52. Robert McDonald Scott graduated in medicine at Aberdeen University in 1951 after serving in the
Royal Navy during
SIBYL G HORNER CBE, MB, BS, DPH, DIH
Dr Sibyl Horner, one of the pioneers of occupational medicine in Britain, died on 14 February. She was 82. Sibyl Gertrude Overton was born in Sussex in 1895, the youngest of a family of five daughters. She decided to take up medicine at a time when the profession was much more a male preserve than today. After her medical education at the London School of Medicine for Women she took the Conjoint diploma in 1919 and the London MB two years later. Thereafter she held house appointments at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Bristol; the Evelina Children's Hospital in London; and the Charing Cross Hospital, where she studied dermatology. This early experience had two major influences that remained for the rest of her life-a concern for the welfare of children and young persons and an interest in occupational dermatitis. She had decided on a career in public health and obtained a post as assistant school medical officer with the London County Council. By this time she had taken the Oxford DPH. In 1924, when still only 28 years of age, she was successful in her application for a post as a woman medical inspector of factories. The remainder of her medical career was spent as a medical inspector, progressing to HM deputy senior medical inspector in 1948 and in 1957 to HM senior medical inspector, a post she held with distinction until her retirement in 1961. In 1931 she married Captain Bernard Stuart Horner. In 1953 she was presented with an honorary diploma in industrial health by
the Society of Apothecaries in acknowledgment of her outstanding position in occupational health, and in 1957 her appointment as CBE
recognised the esteem with which she was generally held and her contribution to occupational medicine over a period of more than 30 years. Sibyl Horner was a perfectionist whose attention to detail was legendary. She had her idiosyncrasies, such as her fondness for hats, her habit of surrounding herself with enormous piles of files, and a tendency to call meetings at times when her colleagues' thoughts were more of departure for home. These characteristics are now recalled as part of her personality,
the second world war. He moved to the Portsoy area soon afterwards to follow a career in general He found in this small fishing villwith its age surrounding farmland an environment that never lost its attraction for him. He was devoted to his patients, and enjoyed the scope that a singlehanded practice in a somewhat isolated area offered to use the traditional skills of the country doctor. He would have changed it for no other branch of medicine. He was a voracious reader, and, possessing an excellent memory, was a source of information on the most diverse subjects. He will be remembered by many for a seemingly inexhaustible fund of funny stories, which he would tell in a variety of accents to keep his audience laughing by the hour. He was indeed a man of cheerful good humour, happy in his work and with his growing-up family. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and three
practice.,i
sons.-MSP.
R J ISAAC MD, MRCP, DCH Dr R J Isaac, who died on 12 March at the age of 73, was formerly consultant paediatrician to Neath and Bridgend hospitals. Rufus John Isaac was born at Cilfynydd, Glamorgan, in 1904, the son of a colliery manager, and was educated at Cyfarthfa Grammar School. His preclinical studies were undertaken at Cardiff before going on to St Mary's Hospital, London, where he qualified with the Conjoint diploma in 1926. He entered general practice immediately, settling into partnership with Dr David Rees at Aberavon. During his years in practice he maintained a lively interest in hospital medicine, attending many of his patients at Port Talbot Hospital. He read constantly, and, despite a heavy work load, especially during the war years, studied for the MRCP, which he obtained in 1946. He proceeded MB, BS in 1947 and MD in
1949. With the advent of the NHS he took up a part-time consultant appointment at Port Talbot Hospital in general medicine and paediatrics. This appointment was a step in a very successful transition to full-time hospital practice, and in 1951 he was appointed consultant paediatrician to the Mid-Glamorgan hospitals group. He established paediatric departments at Neath and Bridgend general hospitals and attended Tonna, Port Talbot, and Maesteg hospitals. The premature-baby nursery at Neath was one of the first in South Wales, at one time receiving patients from the whole of South-west Wales. An able diagnostician, his knowledge was encyclopaedic. He became well known as an expert on rare and unusual syndromes, and was co-author of one of the early papers on galactosaemia. He was a charming, gentle man whose work was his consuming interest. His wisdom and experience, laced with a twinkling, subtle sense of humour, made him an ideal companion. His colleagues respected and admired him and his juniors revered him. Generations of Welsh children have cause to be grateful for his skill. He retired in 1969, but happily acted as locum for another three years before finally giving up practice in 1972. He is survived by his wife, whom he married in 1929, a daughter, and three grandchildren.
-BLlG.
N M MUNRO MD
Dr Norman Munro, formerly in general practice at Luton, died on 27 December. He was 75. Norman Morrison Munro was born in 1902 at Aberdeen, where he was educated at Gordon's College. In 1925 he graduated in medicine at Aberdeen University. After house appointments at Gravesend Hospital and the Dreadnought Hospital he was appointed assistant medical officer to Grove Park Hospital, during which appointment he proceeded MD with commendation in 1931. After a brief spell in general practice at Aberdeen he went to Luton to do a locum in general practice, but stayed in practice at Luton for a period of 30 years. In addition to his busy general practice he devoted much time to other medical activities. In the early days, after a busy evening surgery, he would go to the old Bute Hospital at Luton to assist at operations, and was later appointed as assistant physician to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital. His wisdom and common-sense approach to life were reflected during his long and devoted service to the Luton and Hitchin group hospital management committee. He was also a member of the Bedfordshire executive council, being chairman of the benefits committee. In 1932 he married Dr
Sylvia Doreen Orchard. Dr Munro will be remembered at Luton as a doctor entirely devoted to his profession-as a kind family doctor with a wide perspective and a clear brain dedicated to the welfare of the community he served. His brave and determined acceptance of the disability afflicting his final years was a reflection of his outstanding personality. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter. One of his sons is also a doctor.-TP.
