John Burns

author

John Burns

1774–1850

A pioneering Scottish doctor and teacher, he helped shape early modern obstetrics and wrote influential medical works that were widely read in the early 1800s. His books and lectures made Glasgow an important center for medical training.

2 Audiobooks

Observations on Abortion Containing an account of the manner in which it is accomplished, the causes which produced it, and the method of preventing or treating it

Observations on Abortion Containing an account of the manner in which it is accomplished, the causes which produced it, and the method of preventing or treating it

by John Burns

Dissertations on Inflammation, Vol. 2

Dissertations on Inflammation, Vol. 2

by John Burns

About the author

Born in Glasgow in 1774, John Burns became one of Scotland’s best-known surgeons and physicians. He taught anatomy and surgery in Glasgow and built a strong reputation as a lecturer, especially in the care of women and childbirth.

He is remembered above all for his work in obstetrics. His writings on midwifery and related medical subjects were important enough to be reprinted and used beyond Scotland, helping spread his ideas to a wider medical audience.

Burns died in 1850. Today he is often noted as an early and influential figure in Scottish medicine, especially for the role he played in developing obstetric teaching and practice.