Francis Barker

Alfred Webb

A Compendium of Irish Biography

1878

Barker, Francis, M.D., a distinguished chemist and physician, was born in Waterford the latter part of the 18th century. He obtained his degree from the University of Dublin in 1793, and completed his medical education in Edinburgh, where he became intimate with Sir Walter Scott. Previous to the discovery of the voltaic battery, he suggested the identity of the nervous fluid with dynamical electricity. Returning to his native city, he practised for five years, and took part in the establishment of what has been said to be the first Irish fever hospital. Afterwards in Dublin, as a chemical lecturer, he became deservedly popular, and started the first medical journal in Ireland. In 1821, in conjunction with Dr. Cheyne, he published a treatise on Epidemic Fevers in Ireland, in two volumes; and in 1826 he edited the Dublin Pharmacopoeia. Until 1852 he continued Secretary of the Irish Board of Health. Judging by the omission of his name in Thom's Directory for 1860, he probably died the previous year.

Sources

39. Biographical Dictionary, Imperial: Edited by John F. Waller. 3 vols. London, N.D.

151. Graduates of the University of Dublin, to 16th December 1868: Rev. James H. Todd, D.D. Dublin, 1869.

323a. Temple, Sir William, Original MS. Depositions used by, in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin.

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