Thomas Peter Anderson Stuart

Sir Thomas Peter Anderson Stuart (20 June 1856 – 29 February 1920) was a Scottish-born professor of physiology, founder of the medical school at the University of Sydney.

Stuart was born in Dumfries, Scotland, son of Alexander Stuart, a master clothier & tailor, a magistrate and a member of the town council; and his wife Jane, née Anderson. Stuart was educated at Dumfries Academy until 14 years of age and was then apprenticed to a pharmacist. Stuart soon passed the preliminary examination of the Pharmaceutical Society, and at 16 the minor examination which entitled him to registration as a chemist when he turned 21. Stuart decided to take up medicine, and working early in the morning and at night passed the preliminary examination at the University of Edinburgh. Stuart spent a year at Wolfenbüttel, Germany, studying French and German; in November 1875 Stuart returned to Scotland where in 1880 he graduated as a Doctor of Medicine. Stuart commenced his course at the University of Edinburgh and had one of the most brilliant careers in medicine ever known there. Stuart was awarded 10 medals and won other prizes and scholarships. During Stuart's course Lister was bringing in his revolutionary changes in the treatment of surgery cases, and the young student had the opportunity of working under both the old and new methods. Stuart completed his course in 1880, with first-class honours, degrees of M.B., C.M., and the Ettles scholarship. Stuart was asked by Professor William Rutherford to become his chief demonstrator; in preparation for this, made further studies in physiology and chemistry at Strasburg. A year later, Stuart returned to Edinburgh, took up his duties as demonstrator, and qualified for the degree of M.D. in 1882. On 21 November 1882 Stuart married Elizabeth (Lizza) Ainslie.

It was decided to institute a medical school at the University of Sydney in 1882 and applications were invited for the chair of anatomy and physiology. Nominations were also requested from competent bodies, and the Royal College of Surgeons, London, the University of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, all nominated Stuart. Stuart was appointed and arrived in Sydney with his wife aboard the Parramatta in March 1883. The only medical school building was one of four rooms, damp and unplastered, and a curriculum had to be prepared and arrangements made for lecturers, demonstrators and attendants. There were only four students in the first year, but Stuart had the imagination to realize the immense possible development of the school, and was soon working out ideas for a new building. In June 1884 the University had agreed to build a permanent medical school and plans were drawn up by James Barnet, the government architect. Plans were approved in November 1884, the government allocated £15,000 towards its construction in 1885. In 1889, the building was substantially completed; interior fitting was finalised in 1892. The building is regarded as a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture The number of students in the medical school had increased from 6 in 1883 to 604 in 1912. Now that the medical building was complete, Stuart was able to focus on other things including in bringing about great improvements in the university grounds. Stuart also prepared a bibliography of scientific literature in the libraries of New South Wales. Stuart was a good judge of men, and among the afterwards distinguished men who acted as demonstrators and lecturers in his department were Sir Alexander McCormick, Professor James Thomas Wilson, Sir James Graham, Sir Charles James Martin, Sir Almroth Wright and Professor Henry George Chapman. When Stuart's chair was divided in 1890 he retained physiology, and Wilson was appointed to the new professorship of anatomy.

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