Prof. John MacWilliam, Aberdeen

3D Model

John Alexander MacWilliam (1857–1937) graduated MB CM from the University of Aberdeen in 1880. He chose a career in physiology working in Leipzig, Berne, and graduating MD in 1882 for studies on cardiac muscle. He became Aberdeen’s Professor of Physiology aged 29, and held the post for 41 years. Pioneering research in cardiac physiology anticipated ventricular fibrillation as a cause of sudden death, cardiac compression and external electric shock to restore heart rhythm, and the potential for cardiac pacemakers. All were eventually adopted into routine clinical practice. He also worked on blood pressure and anaesthesia. He was a popular lecturer as recorded on retiral by former student and successor as head of physiology, JJR Macleod of insulin fame. He was elected FRS in 1916 and awarded LLD (Hon) from Aberdeen in 1927. He was pre-deceased by his first wife, survived by his 2nd wife and buried with both in Allenvale Cemetery; he had no children.

This is the 3D model of the stone after recent cleaning.