Professor James Spreull, veterinary surgeon; born May 2, 1908, died May 16, 1998
PROFESSOR James Spreull, who has died in his native Dundee at the age of 90, was for decades one of the veterinary world's best-known figures, and played a pioneering role in developing surgical techniques that are today taken
for granted.
He was born the son of Lieutenant Colonel Andrew and Mrs Effie Spreull six years after his father returned from service in the Boer war and was, perhaps, pre-ordained to become one of Britain's most eminent vet-
erinary surgeons.
His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all vets, and young James was the ninth member of his family to become a veterinary surgeon (his son has the distinction of being the tenth).
James was educated at Dundee High School and at the Royal Dick Vet College in Edinburgh, where he qualified as a vet in 1930. He became a demonstrator and, eventually, lecturer at the college, prior to being awarded his PhD from the Royal Dick in 1934. He then returned to the family business in Dundee, a veterinary surgeon's practice and horse-shoeing forge in the centre of town which employed several blacksmiths. Vets enjoyed reserved occupation status during the war and Prof Spreull aided the war effort by raising livestock including pigs, poultry and rabbits to feed the home front.
In 1959, he returned to the Royal Dick to take up the post of professor of surgery, and early in his career was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and, later, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Prof Spreull became known to generations of vets as an examiner assessing students in the nation's veterinary schools. He also lectured on many aspects of specialised veterinary practice. The results of his research in the early days of tissue transplant were published and Prof Spreull encouraged co-operation between the veterinary and medical professions in joint ventures to develop skin transplants, blood transfusions and the use of anaesthetics.
Prior to his retirement in 1978, Professor Spreull lectured on the transplanting of tissues, particularly skin and muscles.
Professor Spreull enjoyed an active retirement working in his garden at his home in Broughty Ferry, Dundee, and lecturing on antiques, another great passion of his life.
He is survived by his wife Kirsten, sons Peter, Andrew, and John and three grandchildren.
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