Patrick Dun
Scottish scholar
About Patrick Dun
Lived 1580 – 1652 (aged 71–72).
Patrick Dun (1581–1652) was a Scottish scholar who was principal of Marischal College (now part of the University of Aberdeen) from 1621 to 1649.
Life He was born in Aberdeen the son of Andrew Dun, a city burgess. He was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School and at the newly created Marischal College under Robert Howie. He went to Switzerland and received a doctorate in medicine (MD) at the University of Basel in 1601 then obtained a post as professor at Helmstedt 1603/4. He wrote "Themata medica de dolore colico" in 1607, it was published at Basil.
He returned to Aberdeen in 1610 and took the position as Professor of Physic at King's College, Aberdeen, becoming Rector in 1619; he was also mediciner there. In 1621 he succeeded William Forbes as Principal of Marischal College. When the college was damaged by fire in 1639, Dun personally contributed to the cost of rebuilding.
In 1629 he purchased the estate of Ferryhill, just south of Aberdeen and was thereafter referred to "Patrick Dun of Ferryhill".
He resigned in 1649 his principalship and died in 1652. His position as principal was filled by William Moir. He bequeathed the Ferryhill estate to the City of Aberdeen.
Publications Themata Medica de Dolore Colico (1607) Editing of Duncan Liddel's Ars Conservandi Sanitatem (1651)
Artistic recognition He was portrayed by George Jamesone around 1630 and the portrait originally hung at Aberdeen Grammar School but is now held by Aberdeen Art Gallery.
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Important facts
People in Patrick Dun's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Patrick Dun?
Scottish scholar (1580–1652)
When was Patrick Dun born?
Patrick Dun was born in 1580.
When did Patrick Dun die?
Patrick Dun died in 1652.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Patrick Dun (educator)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Patrick Dun. https://biography.guide/patrick-dun/
MLA: "Patrick Dun." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/patrick-dun/.
Chicago: "Patrick Dun." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/patrick-dun/.
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