Dr. Barry's amazing secret: why a famous surgeon for many years presented himself as another person?
James Barry - the famous doctor and former chief of the naval service, died in London on July 25, 1865. Throughout his life he worked as a military surgeon and was considered one of the best specialists of that time. And only after his death, the secret became known that James Barry was hiding most of his life.
There were a lot of mysteries in the life of James. Even the year of birth in some documents indicates the 1792nd, and in others - the 1795th. And all because the mention of a man named James Barry first appeared only when, at the age of 20, he entered the university in the medical faculty.
He graduated with honors and was drafted into the army, where he became a military surgeon.
About himself, James never said anything, and what exactly happened in his life up to 20 years old is unknown to anyone.
For a time he served in India, often went on business trips to England, but received the greatest professional recognition in the service in South Africa.
James was active in building a modern water system in Cape Town and initiated many important medical reforms. In addition, Barry fought epidemics, obtained rare medicines for remote settlements, conducted the first caesarean section in Africa. In general, he did his best to improve the social aspects of life in the region.
Despite all his professional achievements, for some reason the surgeon did not enjoy great popularity among his contemporaries. Many called him a hot-tempered and hysterical man.
An unpleasant impression on others was made by his unsightly appearance, frail figure, too high voice and strange demeanor. In 1865, the doctor died of dysentery. The maid who was preparing the body for burial was shocked when she discovered that James Barry was actually ... a woman!
Throughout her life, she managed to hide her gender in order to be able to get an education and work as a surgeon.
Due to the fact that James Barry held important positions, in order to avoid scandal, this news was decided to hide from the public. The surgeon was buried with all military honors.
And only in the middle of the twentieth century in the military archives were documents showing that the legendary military doctor at birth was an Irish girl named Margaret Ann Balkley.
Since childhood Margaret dreamed of becoming a doctor, but higher medical education at that time was available only to the male sex. Then the desperate girl went on an adventure. Disguised as a man, she entered the University of Edinburgh under the name of James Barry. No one except the parents and faithful servant knew what the fragile physically, but morally strong Margaret was hiding.
The mystery of Dr. Barry to this day attracts writers and directors. About this extraordinary woman write novels and make films that generate even more interest around her name.
There were a lot of mysteries in the life of James. Even the year of birth in some documents indicates the 1792nd, and in others - the 1795th. And all because the mention of a man named James Barry first appeared only when, at the age of 20, he entered the university in the medical faculty.
He graduated with honors and was drafted into the army, where he became a military surgeon.
About himself, James never said anything, and what exactly happened in his life up to 20 years old is unknown to anyone.
For a time he served in India, often went on business trips to England, but received the greatest professional recognition in the service in South Africa.
James was active in building a modern water system in Cape Town and initiated many important medical reforms. In addition, Barry fought epidemics, obtained rare medicines for remote settlements, conducted the first caesarean section in Africa. In general, he did his best to improve the social aspects of life in the region.
Despite all his professional achievements, for some reason the surgeon did not enjoy great popularity among his contemporaries. Many called him a hot-tempered and hysterical man.
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An unpleasant impression on others was made by his unsightly appearance, frail figure, too high voice and strange demeanor. In 1865, the doctor died of dysentery. The maid who was preparing the body for burial was shocked when she discovered that James Barry was actually ... a woman!
Throughout her life, she managed to hide her gender in order to be able to get an education and work as a surgeon.
Due to the fact that James Barry held important positions, in order to avoid scandal, this news was decided to hide from the public. The surgeon was buried with all military honors.
And only in the middle of the twentieth century in the military archives were documents showing that the legendary military doctor at birth was an Irish girl named Margaret Ann Balkley.
Since childhood Margaret dreamed of becoming a doctor, but higher medical education at that time was available only to the male sex. Then the desperate girl went on an adventure. Disguised as a man, she entered the University of Edinburgh under the name of James Barry. No one except the parents and faithful servant knew what the fragile physically, but morally strong Margaret was hiding.
The mystery of Dr. Barry to this day attracts writers and directors. About this extraordinary woman write novels and make films that generate even more interest around her name.
