| Description | This collection is divided into eight series which covers seven different members of the FitzGerald family; Dr John F FitzGerald (unknown), Alexis FitzGerald (1831-1878), James F FitzGerald (c.1838-1872), Alexis FitzGerald (1874-1954), Oliver Patrick Noél Alexis FitzGerald (1910-1987), Gerald Michael FitzGerald (1913-1945) and Professor Oliver FitzGerald (c.1956-).
The collection contains documents such as medical certificates, photographs, ledgers, log books, letters, books and medical objects. The documentation give a brief but detailed overview of the family's medical achievements.
The large collection of books c.34 in total, is a mixture of books acquired and collected by the FitzGerald family. They are all catalogued and available via the Library. |
| History | The FitzGerald Collection displays the families multi generational contribution to the medical field in Ireland and Great Britain. The collection begins with Alexis FitzGerald (1831-1878). Alexis FitzGerald was born in Jessefield, Tipperary to Martin Fitzgerald and Anastasia FitzGerald. He was the first to study medicine and was shortly followed by his brother James F Fitzgerald (c.1838-1872). Alexis moved from Tipperary to Dublin to study medicine at the Original School of Medicine on Peter Street, the Mercer's Hospital Dublin and the Charitable Infirmary Jervis Street between 1853-1856. We currently do not hold any information on positions he may have held and at what hospitals.
James F Fitzgerald, followed his brother to Dublin and studied medicine at the Catholic University of Ireland, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Mercer's Hospital Dublin and the Meath Hospital, between 1853-1956. James kept incredibly detailed lecture notes while studying medicine. He undertook placements at the Meath Hospital and studied under Robert Graves and William Stokes. In March 1860, James join the Royal Navy and was appointed Assistant Surgeon. He served onboard HMS Royal Albert, Princess Royal, Revenge, Euryalus,Victory, Belloerophen and HMS Mullet. He was also recorded on the Royal Navy List as being available for service in Haslar Military Hospital in Portsmouth. His Royal Navy service record noted that he resigned in September 1867. He served as assistant surgeon for seven and a half years, between 1860-1867. Following retirement he returned home to Tipperary. There is no official record of his death.
Alexis FitzGerald (1874-1954) was born in Ballingarry, Tipperary. He was the son of Lily and Oliver FitzGerald (1833-1903) and the nephew of Alexis and James FitzGerald. Alexis studied medicine at Cecilia Street Medical School. He qualified in 1900 and quickly took up the position of Medical Superintendent at the Waterford District Asylum. He retired in 1941 and move to Ballsbridge, Dublin.
Alexis had three sons who continued the family medical tradition. Oliver Patrick Noél Alexis FitzGerald (1910-1987), Patrick Alexis Martin FitzGerald (1911-1978) and Gerald Michael FitzGerald (1913-1945).
Oliver and Gerald have documentation in the collection. A small selection of documents are available for Patrick Alexis Martin FitzGerald and Alexis James Oliver FitzGerald (1916-1985), solicitor.
These are posthumous.
Oliver Patrick Noél Alexis FitzGerald (1910-1987), graduated from University College Dublin with a B.Sc in Physiology and Biochemistry in 1933, and an M.B., B.Ch., and B.A.O in 1935. He when on to study at Basel and Cambridge and was awarded a M.Sc in 1937 and a M.D. in 1940 based on his thesis and published work. He later became a lecturer at University College Dublin and practiced at St. Vincent's Hospital.
Of his other achievements, Oliver was the president of the British Society for Gasteroenterology, a founding member of the Irish Society for Gasteroenterology, a council member of the Association of Physicians of Great Britain and Ireland and of the Nutrition Society and was appointed the chairman of the new National Drugs Advisory Board in 1966, he remained in this post until his retirement in 1985. He was also a member of the Medical Research Council of Ireland from 1957-1976. Oliver was a well read man, with a great passion for books. He was said to be gentle in his manner and positive in his view. He was witty, charming and good company at social gatherings, however it is said that his dancing lacked coordination.
Oliver married Cliodna Maiben in 1944. They has six children together, Alexis, Barbara, Cliodna, Nesta, Oliver and Ann. Alexis became a Fine Gael TD, senator and Lord Mayor of Dublin, for one term. Oliver is a Consultant Rheumatologist and Newman Clinical Research Professor at St Vincent's University Hospital and the Conway Institute, University College Dublin.
Gerald Martin FitzGerald (1913-1945), graduated from the University College Dublin with an M.B. in 1937 and became House Physician at the Mater Hospital. He later obtained a M.R.C.P. in 1940 and a M.D for his published works in 1943. Gerald held positions the Mater Hospital, Grangegorman and Portrane Mental Hospitals, National Hospital for Nervous Diseases, and Morningside Hospital, Edinburgh University.
Gerald was diagnosed with bowel cancer in c.1942. He had extensive operations in London but suffered many complications and was confined to his bed for almost two years. Gerald returned to Dublin in February 1944 and died peacefully at his home on the 22 May 1945. |