| Administrative History | George French was born in 1765, the son of John French, advocate, and Christian, the daughter of Thomas Blackwell, principal of Marischal College. After a short spell in the army he joined his physician uncle, Sir William Fordyce, in London. This attempt to establish a medical career in the capital was unsuccessful and he returned to Aberdeen to become one of two physicians to the Royal Infirmary, his colleauge being Dr William Livingston. French was appointed Professor of Chemistry at Marischal College in 1793 and held that post for 40 years without distinguishing himself. Towards the end of his life he transferred his teaching duties to an assistant. He owned a shop in the Upper Kirkgate and sold medicines and perfumery. He died in 1833. |