Copy of the last will and testament with codicil of William Hunter, 1718-1783, anatomist and obstetrician

Copy of the last will and testament of William Hunter made 23 July 1781 with codicil dated 31 August 1782.

William Hunter was born at Long Calderwood Farm, East Kilbride, near Glasgow, Scotland, in 1718. He came as a student to the University of Glasgow in 1731 and later studied medicine at Edinburgh, before going to London in 1741. Hunter quickly became well-known as a physician, especially as an obstetrician, and built up a distinguished clientle, including members of the British Royal Family. He soon assembled a collection of anatomical and pathological specimens, related to his medical work. In the 1750s he began collecting art and later diversified into coins, books, manuscripts and ethnography. In 1768 he opened a medical school at his house in Great Windmill Street, Glasgow. In 1783 Hunter bequeathed his entire collection to Glasgow University, along with funds to construct a suitable Museum building. Under the terms of his will, however, his collections of books, manuscripts, coins, medals, paintings, shells, minerals, and anatomical and natural history specimens were retained in London until 1807 for the use of his nephew Matthew Baillie (1761-1823). The Hunterian Museum was subsequently built on the grounds of the University of Glasgow.

The arrangement of this material reflects the original order in which it was received

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Gift : Dr K Bryn Thomas : 1959 : ACCN 4011

See also University of Glasgow Collections

Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents. Applications for permission to quote should be sent to Archives and Special Collections, please email: library-asc@glasgow.ac.uk

This material has been appraised in line with standard GB 247 procedures

Held by Dr K Bryn Thomas

None expected

GB 247 MS Hunter: Papers of William Hunter

This is a copy of the original will