The story of the University of Aberdeen's first black medical graduate
Dr Christopher James Davis graduated in 1869 before going on to save hundreds of lives through his work in the Franco-Prussian war and with his work in soup kitchens.
Last updated 12th Oct 2020
As part of our celebration of Black History Month today we are learning about the life of Dr Christopher James Davis - the first ever black graduate from the University of Aberdeen medical school.
Born in Barbados in 1842, Davis would cram a lot into a life which eventually ended at the age of just 28 in 1870.
At just 21 Dr Davis was running a local school as well as advocating for the poor and was a preacher as well.
He would travel to England, training to be a doctor at St Batholomew's hospital in London, before three years later moving to Aberdeen to continue his education at the University of Aberdeen Medical school.
During his time in the Granite City Dr Davis took it upon himself to help the poor.
Following his graduation, in 1970, Dr Davis heard about the largescale suffering and causalities in the Franco-Prussian war, so he traveled to Sedan in the North East of France to other his help.
During his time in the region Dr Davis treated wounded soldiers from both sides of the war, changed some of the methods used by hospitals and military staff that was only making the health of their soldiers worse, and opened soup kitchens.
During November of 1970 Dr Davis would travel back to England to rest after becoming exhausted, but also to raise more funds. He would return to France to work in a smallpox hospital where he unfortunately contracted smallpox and died on the 27th of November.
Both the French and Prussian military officials paid tribute to Dr Davis.