W. C. M'Intosh and A. J. Macfarlan: Early clinical photography in Scotland

Abstract

The origins and early development of photography in Scotland have been much discussed.1 The involvement of medically trained men in its early years is also well docunlented.2 However, surprisingly little is known about early Scottish clinical photography. In fact only Alison Gernsheim has specifically written about Victorian clinical photography.3 The more general field of medical photography is better served. Contributions include general surveys, studies of developments in particular countries, and an important monograph by Fox and Lawrence about how medical men used photography to enhance their professional prospects.4 Gilman's work identifies a cultural tradition of representing the insane, and the history of clinical psychiatric photography is a significant part of this broader enterprise. Gilman links together historical figures such as Hugh Diamond, John Conolly, W. A. F. Browne, his son James Crichton-Browne and Charles Darwin, all of whom either produced, used or circulated clinical photographs of the insane.5