SH10DR JAMES BARRY (B.?1799-D.1865 MARGARET ANN BULKLEY): AN ENIGMATIC ARMY SURGEON

This paper will discuss the life and controversy surrounding Dr James Barry. Dr James Barry was a highly respected surgeon. Barry qualified with a Medical Doctorate in 1812 from the University of Edinburgh. After studying at St Thomas' Hospital, London, Barry took the examination for the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and in 1813 joined the British Army. He served as surgeon in various regiments including South Africa, Jamaica and Malta, ultimately rising to the rank of Inspector General in charge of military hospitals. Barry was a zealous reformer, passionately improving conditions for wounded soldiers and native inhabitants alike. After performing one of the first successful Caesarean sections in Africa and saving the life of both mother and baby Barry's fame was established. He was subsequently summoned by Napoleon to attend to the son of his private secretary. James Barry retired in 1864 returning to England where he died from dysentery on July 25, 1865. Barry left strict instructions that on death his unexamined body should be left in a nightshirt and wrapped in a winding sheet. Following his death, Victorian society was scandalized by allegations that Barry was in fact a woman. It is widely held that he was born as Margaret Ann Bulkley, the daughter of Mary-Ann and Jeremiah, a greengrocer from Cork. Despite the circumstances of his gender Barry's career as an Army surgeon and tireless advocacy for wounded soldiers is the legacy for which he should be remembered. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]