M.B., C.M., 1886; took his degree in medicine at Aberdeen University, heading his year. Was a medical practitioner in Tarves, Aberdeenshire; then took post graduate courses in Europe and after practising for a short time in Harley Street and went to Canada as surgeon to the Earl of Aberdeen when the latter was appointed Governor-General in 1893. He had been with the Aberdeens in Scotland before they came to Canada. He established himself in Monreal and in 1897 began in Montreal a special study of nervous diseases and was later appointed professor of diseases of nervous system, University of Vermont, U.S.A.; neurologist, General Hospital, Montreal, Canada and associated with McGill University.

Produced the first scientific report on neural grafting trials in human patients was published in 1905 (Shirres, D.A., "Regeneration of axons of the spinal neurons in man." Montreal Medical Journal, 34, 239-49).

"Noted Doctor Dies, Aged 81 - Dr D.A.Shirres was a Pioneer in Field

Dr David Alexander Shirres, who has resided for many years in The Sherbrooke Apartments, died on Friday in his 82nd year, after an illness of three years resulting from a fall on Sherbrooke Street following heavy snowstorms and thaws. Dr Shirres was a stalwart Scot devoted to outdoor exercise and was a familiar figure on horseback in the early mornings, and later in life on foot as he walked daily about the Sherbrooke street district.

He was born on February 3, 1864 in Aberdeen, took his degree in medicine at Aberdeen University, heading his year, and came to Canada as surgeon to the Earl of Aberdeen when the latter was appointed Governor-General in 1893. He had been with the Aberdeens in Scotland before they came to Canada. He took post graduate courses in Europe and after practising for a short time in Harley Street he established himself in Montreal.

Speaking of him today his friend and former pupil, Dr N. Viner said "Towards the close of the nineteenth century there arose in England a strong group of neurologists with a special interest in research who left their mark on neurological sciences to this day. With this group, whether as pupil, associate or friend, Dr Shirres kept up a close contact to the time of his retirement. He was fired with enthusiasm for the study and treatment of nervous and mental diseases and he no sooner came to Montreal at the beginning of the century than he became associated with McGill University and in connection with the Royal Victoria Hospital he set up a small neurological laboratory for research. It was characteristic of the man that by five o'clock in the morning he was usually there at work."

"Soon he was given a teaching position in neurology and became probably the first real specialist in that branch of medicine in the country and even in an adjacent state, for soon after he became professor of neurology in Burlington University, travelling there twice a week to deliver his lectures and attend his clinics. However his main teaching centre was in the Montreal General Hospital where to the end of his active career he taught the local medical students and treated innumerable patients. He was a sturdy friend through all those years of the Verdun Protestant Hospital for which he was the consulting neurologist and where he did a considerable amount of research.

"Dr Shirres was an exceedingly big, robust, active and energetic man with a dynamic personality and a cheerful outlook on life and on man, and it was amazing how well he could transmit his goodwill, cheer and hopefulness into the most crestfallen patient or student. He was left a mark in both these categories that will for long be remembered and remembered with regret"

He was a keen student of archaeology and also of the life and habits of birds. He was a member of the Mount Royal Club, The University Club, the Forest & Stream Club and the Royal Montreal Golf Club and had lived at the last named club for several summers. He had been a member of St Paul's Lodge A.F. & A.M. He was fond of paintings and proud of his collection which he enjoyed showing to friends.

In 1894 he married Miss Edith Thistle of Ottawa, who predeceased him. He leaves a son, Gordon Shirres and a daughter Mrs Ogden Richardson.

The service was conducted by Rev C. Ritchie Bell and burial took place in Mount Royal Cemetery on Saturday."

Gordon Aylmer Thistle Shirres

Born 6^th May, 1896, Brentford, England

Joined Canadian Expeditionary Force 16.2.1916; 77th O/S/ Bn C.N.F. Under Command of Lt Col D.R. Street; 38 officers, 1007 men; Initial HQ Ottawa, Sailed from Canada 19.6.1916; File Ref 8874-48

Lived at 3511, Ontario Avenue, Montreal in 1946.