| Product
Code |
: |
PUD NO_855-1 AE |
| Subject | : | Grant Medical College - McLennan Medal |
| Size | : | 45 mm |
| Metal | : | Copper |
| Year | : | 1855 |
| Description | : | obv. Head of Dr John McLennan, left, above : JOHN MCLENNAN. Below : 1855. Signed : B. WYON SC, rev. Depiction of Grant Medical College with on border : PRIZE MEDAL, above and GRANT MEDICAL COLLEGE, below. Signed : B. WYON.
Dr John McLennan was a surgeon at the European General Hospital in Bombay when Mountstuart Elphinstone was Governor. With Elphinstone’s backing, a Bombay medical school was started in 1826 and Dr McLennan, at the age of twenty-five, was appointed its first principal. The language of instruction as Marathi and Dr McLennan translated medical books into that language. The school did not work out as well as expected and due to heavy expenses, without commensurate benefits, was closed down after 6 years. Dr McLennan’s reputation did not suffer, however, as the failure was due to factors beyond his control; he continued to receive promotions rising to Physician-General of Bombay before his retirement in 1855. He was much respected and admired, particularly by Dr Charles Morehead, the principal of Grant Medical College, and hence his portrait on this medal issued to the final year student in the M.B.B.S. examination with the highest marks in midwifery. |
