The Official History of the Canadian Forces in the Great War, specifically the first volume regarding medical services, contained enough critical assessment of the surgeon general to ignite a significant military and political controversy. Authored by Andrew Macphail, this publication highlights the dual commitment to professional medicine and literary discourse that defined his life.
Early Education and Medical Foundations
Born in Orwell in 1864, Macphail pursued studies at Prince of Wales College before earning his medical degree from McGill University in 1891. His professional development continued in England, where he attained licensure through the Royal College of Physicians and became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons. His return to Canada in 1892 coincided with his marriage to Georgina Burland, with whom he had two children, Jeffrey and Dorothy.
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Between 1893 and 1905, he taught the diseases of children at the University of Bishop's College while maintaining a private practice. His expertise in pathology led to roles as a consulting pathologist at Western and Verdun hospitals. He later managed editorial duties for the Montreal Medical Journal and the Canadian Medical Association Journal, holding these positions until the onset of World War I.
Wartime Service and Literary output
At age 50, Macphail enlisted for service in the First World War, serving for 20 months with the Sixth Field Ambulance. He participated in operations at Vimy Ridge before returning to his literary pursuits. His bibliography is expansive, ranging from the historical analysis Three persons to romantic fiction like The vine of Sibmah. He also produced four unperformed one-act plays and the first translation of Louis Hémon’s Maria Chapdelaine.
Editorial Legacy and Posthumous Works
In 1907, he founded the University Magazine, a quarterly publication that attracted contributions from figures such as Rudyard Kipling and Stephen Leacock. He maintained the role of editor until 1920. Following his death in 1938, his final manuscript, The Master's Wife, was published in 1939. This work, which provides a detailed social history of his childhood home in Prince Edward Island, was the project he considered his most significant contribution.
Fast facts
- Born: 1864, Orwell
- Died: 1938, Montreal
- Education: McGill University
- Military service: Sixth Field Ambulance
- Honours: Knight Bachelor, Officer of the Order of the British Empire
- Member: Royal Society of Canada
- Notable work: The Master's Wife
- Status: Person of National Historic Significance
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the University Magazine?
Founded by Macphail in 1907, it was regarded as an outstanding Canadian quarterly that served as a platform for prominent academics and literary figures.
What was the primary focus of Macphail's military writing?
He documented the medical services of the Canadian Forces during World War I, offering critical analysis of military leadership.
Achievements
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
- Knight Bachelor
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire
- Order of the British Empire
- Held posts at McGill University
