David Hardie

Sir David Hardie (4 June 1856 – 11 November 1945) was an Australian medical practitioner. Living and working in Queensland, he specialised in the diseases of women and children, particularly those related to Queensland's climate.

Early life Hardie was born on at New Spynie near Elgin, Morayshire, Scotland, son of John Hardie, farmer, and his wife Margaret (née Masson). He attended school in Elgin before furthering his education at the University of Aberdeen (M.B., Ch.B., 1878), he worked there for two years as a demonstrator in anatomy, then started general practice in 1880 at Forres, Morayshire. On 6 June 1883 he married Marianne Jeans at Nairn. She was the daughter of Alexander Jeans and Isabella Blythe.

His eldest daughter M.I.H. Hardie, (known as Helena) was born in 1886 at Forres. After gaining his medical doctorate at Aberdeen in 1887, David Hardie emigrated with his wife and daughter to Melbourne, Australia. They soon after settled in Brisbane and he was registered in Queensland on 5 May 1887. Living initially at Stanley Villa on the south bank of the Brisbane River, he settled finally in Wickham Terrace.

Medical career

Hardie specialised in the diseases of women and children, particularly those arising from climate. In 1893, he became president of the Medical Society of Queensland, which became a branch of the British Medical Association, the predecessor of the Australian Medical Association. On a visit to Europe in 1895 (with his wife and 3 children) he investigated Röntgen's work on x-rays but although he brought radiology equipment to Australia he did not pursue the work. During this trip he spent some time back in Moray with his ailing father, and also with his elder brother John's family at Westerton Farm, Pluscarden. In 1902 he built Firhall in Wickham Terrace where he resided and practised. He was cremated at Mount Thompson Crematorium. His patients had ranged from the vice-regal to the humblest citizen. He was survived by his wife and three children.

His son John later followed in his father's footsteps as a distinguished GP. He was awarded the Military Cross during his medical war service in World War I.

Honours On the recommendation of the Denham ministry, he was awarded a Knighthood Kt in the New Year honours list for 1913 and thus became Queensland's first medical Knight. In 1919, the University of Aberdeen awarded him an honorary LL.D.