CHAPTER II 
ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY LIFE—STUDY OF MEDICINE— 
FASCINATIONS OF NATURAL SCIENCE 
The second period extends from the time of his 
return to Aberdeen, first for further school educa¬ 
tion, and afterwards for his university course of 
study at King’s College, which he entered when 
twelve years of age, just one year before the death- 
of his father at Corunna. After finishing his Arts 
curriculum, and taking his M.A. degree, he entered 
on the study of Medicine in 1814 or 1815 as pupil 
to George Barclay, M.D., Physician to the Aber¬ 
deen Infirmary and Lecturer on Surgery in King’s 
and Marischal Colleges. Dr Barclay was himself 
a young man—only about three years older than 
MacGillivray. He was a native of Aberdeenshire, 
and youngest son of Charles Barclay, Esq. of 
Tempi eland, in the parish of Auchterless. He 
was much respected and trusted as a physician, and 
beloved by all who had relationships with him 
whether professionally or as friends. 
MacGillivray, during his period of study at 
Aberdeen, was in the habit of spending his long 
summer holidays with his relations at Northtown, 
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