Harry Russell Lillie, Naval surgeon and anti-whaling activist
- Reference:GB 250 122
- Dates of Creation:1987-1990
- Language of Material:English
- Physical Description:3 items
Scope and Content
Death certificate; Certificate of cremation; Typescript copy of Lillie’s Last Will and Testament.
Administrative / Biographical History
Dr Harry Russell Lillie was a surgeon and medical officer aboard British whaling ships in the Antarctic during the 1940s. Originally from Dundee, Lillie received his MB ChB from the University of St Andrews in 1939, previously graduating with a BSc Engineering in 1926.
He began his career at sea during the whaling season of 1946-1947. In addition to exercising his medical and surgical skills, Lillie was able to observe the conditions and methods of whaling in the Antarctic. He felt strongly that these practices were inhumane, and began campaigning for changes to whaling laws. His book, “The Path through Penguin City” was published in 1955 and remains one of the most influential books in whaling conservation.
Access Information
Access to some items may be restricted. Please contact Heritage staff at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
Other Finding Aids
Descriptive list available at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Accruals
None expected.
Related Material
RCPSG Museum collection: 2016.3 – Medical bag belonging to Harry Russell Lillie;
RCPSG Library collection: Basement AA.2.5.13 – “The path through penguin city” by Harry R. Lillie (London: Ernest Bennn, 1955) (author’s own copy);
RCPSG Library collection: Basement AA.2.5.14 – “The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling (London: Macmillan, 1915) (signed by the author and owned by Lillie).
Personal Names