Duncan Liddel

Mathematician and medic

Duncan Liddel was born in Aberdeen, and is thought to have attended King’s College. At the age of 18, he travelled to northern Europe to study mathematics, philosophy, medicine and, later, astronomy. Duncan eventually settled in the newly-founded University of Helmstedt, Germany, where he taught mathematics and medicine and published several academic works.

In 1607 Duncan returned to Scotland, where he practiced medicine until his death. He left his important book collection to Aberdeen’s Marischal College, which was founded during his lifetime. Duncan also endowed Marischal College with funds for bursaries and academic posts, which proved vital to the University’s growth. Many of the books which he gifted to the University are not only rare but also contain Duncan’s handwritten annotations and notes, providing a unique insight into his life over 400 years ago.