A closer approach to Alexander Monro family and its influence in modern

anatomy

Author: Ostopovici Marta

Co-author: Darie Ruxandra

Coordinator: Prof. Enciulescu Constantin, MD,PhD;

Marisiensis, 2014

Introduction Alexander Monro family:

• A Scottish family formed by three generations of anatomists

• Primus, Secundus and Tertius

• Chair of Anatomy at the University of Edinburgh for 126 years

The Great Founder- John Monro

• Youngest son of Sir Alexander Monro

• A military surgeon in the army of Charles II

• In 1700 left the army

• Encouraged his son to study medicine

Monro dynasty

The Objective

• The value of a strong legacy

• Three generations of anatomists?

• The end of a brilliant dynasty marked by the death of

Dr. Paul Alexander Monro in July 2013

Material and Method:

Collected data from:

Descriptive study…

The Monroes

Alexander Monro Primus- Monro Senior

(1697-1767)

• First anatomist from this dynasty

• Joined the University at the age of 13- Greek and Latin philosophy, French, dancing, music and painting

• Applied for Medical School at the age of 16

• Gifted and talented

• Studied in London, Paris, Leiden

Alexander Monro Primus

• Joined a scientific society

• “The bones in general”

• “Bursa intratendinea olecrani” - within brachial triceps muscle tendon

• Anatomical preparations

• Museum and Amphitheatre

Alexander Monro Primus

• Books concerning nerves, heart and mamary gland.

• Hospital for poor people

• Scientific society

• Prestigious medical center

• Attractive reputation - William Hunter

• Doctor Honoris Causa

• Treasure for his sonWilliam Hunter

Alexander Monro Secundus- Monro Junior

• A famous anatomist, a great physician

• The most important member of Monro dynasty

•Joined medical school at the age of 11

•“Works”- Alexander Monro Primus

•Professor at 21 years old

• Thesis about seminiferous tubules

•„De veins lymphaticis valvulosis” – 2 circuits

(1733-1817)

Alexander Monro Secundus

Important works about nervous system

Alexander Monro Secundus

Alexander Monro Secundus

Alexander Monro - Tertius

• Not so great

• Studied in Paris and London

• Professor in 1801

•A lasting value??

(1773-1859)

Results:

Around 89 scientific papers and books

Conclusion:

Their studies involved many medical fields such as:

Remarkable lineage

Important treasure

Discussion:

Bibliography:

1. Alexander Monro Primus- The anatomy of the Human Bones, Edinburgh, 1726

2. Alexander Monro Secundus- The works of Alexander Monro, Edinburgh, 1781

3. Alexander Monro Secundus- The veins lymphaticis valvulosis, Berlin, 1757

4. Alexander Monro Secundus- Microscopical Inquiries into Nerves and Brain, Edinburgh, 1780

5. Alexander Monro Secundus- Observations on the Structure and Function of the Nervous System, Edinburgh, 1783

6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

7. http://medical-dictionary.com

8. http://www.otago.ac.nz/library/exhibitions/monro/

9. http://www.electricscotland.com/history/other/monro_alexander.htm

10. http://www.whonamedit.com/synd.cfm

Thank you!