Sir James Balfour, Bart., of Denmilne, Lord Lyon King of Arms, is an important, but strangely shadowy, figure in the Scotland of the first half of the seventeenth century. Typically, his part in the story of the Pont maps was crucial but obscure. Read more...
Sir James Balfour, 1st Baronet.
BALFOUR, (Sir) ANDREW, Bart. M.D. who first introduced the dissection of the human body into Scotland, and that at a very superstitious period; who projected the first hospital in the country, for the relief of disease and poverty at the public expense; who was the founder of the botanic garden at Edinburgh, and almost the father of the science in Scotland; who planned the royal college of physicians at Edinburgh; and bequeathed to the public a museum, which at that time would have been an ornament to any university, or any metropolis, - was the fifth and youngest son of Sir Michael Balfour of Denmilne in Fife, and was born at that place on the 18th of January, 1630. He prosecuted his studies in the university of St Andrews, where he took his degree of A.M. At this period his education was superintended by his brother Sir James Balfour, the famous antiquary, and lion king at arms to Charles I., who was about thirty years older than himself. At college he first discovered his attachment to botany, which in him is said to have led to the study of physic, instead of being, as it generally is, a handmaid to that art. Quitting the university about the year 1650, he removed to London, where his medical studies were chiefly directed by the celebrated Harvey, by Sir Theodore Mayerne, the distinguished physician of king James I., and various other eminent practitioners. He afterwards traveled to Blois in France, and remained there for some time, to see the botanic garden of the Duke of Orleans, which was then the best in Europe, and was kept by his countryman Dr Morison. Here he contracted a warm friendship for that great botanist, which continued unimpaired while they lived. From Blois he went to Paris, where, for a long time, he prosecuted his medical studies with great ardour. He completed his education at the university of Caen, from which he received the degrees of bachelor and doctor of physic, on the 20th of September, 1661. Read more ..... .
Denmilne Castle North Fife south and east aspect.
Denmilne Castle in the Parish of Lindores and Abdie. One mile east of Newburgh North Fife. Adjacent to the road connecting Perth to Cupar and St Andrews North Fife. Birthplace of Sir James Balfour and Sir Andrew Balfour.
An illustration of how cold it was today showing the hoarfrost at Denmilne Castle North Fife.
