Sir David Barry

Barry, Sir David, an eminent physician and physiologist, remarkable for his classical and mathematical acquirements. He was born in Roscommon, 12th March 1780; he completed his medical education at home, and entered the army as an Assistant-Surgeon. Having distinguished himself in the Peninsular War, he settled at Oporto as surgeon to the Portuguese forces. There he married Miss Whately, sister of the future Archbishop. Returning to England in 1820, he perfected himself by further study, and in 1826 published his researches relative to the absorption of poison, and the means of counteracting it by the application of cupping-glasses. He was employed by Government in several medical inquiries, both at home and abroad, and was one of the commissioners in the investigations that led to the Factory Acts. His work on hydrophobia and venomous bites is declared in Allibone "to be very important, and to display great ability." He died in London, of aneurism, 5th November 1835, aged 55.

Sources

16. Authors, Dictionary of British and American: S. Austin Allibone. 3 vols. Philadelphia, 1859-'71.

42. Biographical Dictionary: Rev. Hugh J. Rose. 12 vols. London, 1850.

146. Gentleman's Magazine. London, 1731-1868.
Gilbert, John T., see Nos. 110, 335.