Discovery Walk

Dundee has been home to an amazing variety of people who have contributed to science and society in many important and exciting ways.

Discovery Walk is situated at Slessor Gardens. The walk celebrates Dundee's gifts to the world given by the many extraordinary people who have lived and worked in the city. They honour the pioneering spirit of those whose scientific and social achievements have helped make Dundee and the wider world a better place.

The plaques currently identify the following people:

D'Arcy Thompson (1860-1948)

Dundee's pioneer of life sciences, D'Arcy Thompson was one of the great interdisciplinary thinkers of his time. His book 'On Growth and Form' (1917) established the science of biomathematics and has influenced scientists, artists, architects and engineers around the world. As a professor here for over 32 years, he helped to found Dundee Social Union and the city's Medical School.

Geoffrey Dutton (1924-2010)

As a scientist, Geoffrey Dutton's revolutionary work on how the infant body deals with toxic chemicals helped to save many babies' lives and establish Dundee as a world centre for biomedical sciences. Outside science, his poetry about Scotland's landscape and people, and his books and articles about his beloved garden, won him even wider frame.

James Alfred Ewing (1855-1935)

Dundee-born and education, J A Ewing's discovery of hysteresis in magnetic metals paved the way for many modern technologies including transformers, computer hard drives and credit cards. In the Great War he founded the Admiralty's code-breaking department, which later decrypted the infamous Zimmermann Telegram, helping to bring the USA into the war. A co-founder of the Dundee Social Union, J A Ewing also worked to improve the city's sewerage system.

James F Riley (1912-1985)

James F Riley was a consultant radiotherapist at Dundee Royal Infirmary from 1948-1974. He discovered that mammalian mast cells are responsible for the release of histamine and therefore form a vital part of the immune system. Riley's work contributed greatly to understanding allergic conditions such as asthma and anaphylactic shock.

Margaret Fairlie (1891-1963)

Among Dundee's first female graduates in medicine, Margaret Fairlie was a distinguished clinician and inspirational teacher who pioneered the use of radium in the treatment of malignant gynaecological diseases in Scotland. She became the first women appointed to a Scottish university professorship, as Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Dundee's medical school, and later the first Scottish woman to be a Consultant Emeritus in Obstetrics.

Mary Ann Baxter (1801-1884)

Mary Ann Baxter's ideas and generous financial backing of over £120,000 (many millions in today's terms) allowed the establishment of University College, Dundee (now the University of Dundee). At her insistence, the institution was one of the first providers of equal higher education to women and men. She was also the co-donor of Baxter Park and supported a wide range of church causes.

Mary Lily Walker (1863-1913)

A pioneering social reformer, Mary Lily Walker was the main driving force behind the Dundee Social Union, which introduced ground-breaking initiatives such as an infant health service and the Children's Restaurants for nursing mothers. She was a key author of the 1905 Report that forced politicians to tackle the appalling conditions in which many Dundee families still lived, and influenced national policy.

R D Low (1895-1980)

R D Low founded the Fun Section of the Sunday Post, capturing the essence of Scottish humour in the iconic cartoon strips Oor Wullie and The Broons. He launched the Dandy and the Beano, and as Managing Editor for D C Thomson children's publications was the visionary behind the team of writers and artists that produced the UK's favourite comics. His creative and commercial achievements have left a unique and lasting legacy in children's publishing.

Walter Spear (1921-2008) and Peter Le Comber (1941-1992)

This brilliant duo's research into amorphous semiconductors at the University of Dundee in the 1970s produced the world's first amorphous silicon thin-film transistor. They went on to demonstrate its use in liquid crystal displays - technology at the heart of every mobile phone, computer monitor, flat screen TV and solar panel in the world.

George Lowden (1825-1912)

The son of a Dundee grocer, Lowden began making scientific instruments aged just 24 and continued working until his 88th year. His many achievements include Dundee's first 'magic lantern' slide projector, the world's first fixed-focus folding pocket camera, and a famous giant microscope later named 'Jumbo'. He installed the first electric telegraph systems for local railways and local businesses, and the first workable electric lamps in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

George Alexander Pirie (1863-1929)

Within months of the discovery of X-rays in Germany, Dr George Pirie pioneered their use in clinical medicine in Dundee. He established the first electrical department at Dundee Royal Infirmary in 1896. His long exposure to radiation cost him his eyesight and both of his hands had to be amputated. His is one of the original names inscribed on the 1936 Hamburg Memorial honouring early X-ray and radium pioneers of all nations.

James Bowman Lindsay (1799-1862)

A 19th-century scientist, inventor and author living and working in Dundee, Lindsay is best known for his investigations into electric light. In 1835 he gave a successful demonstration at the city's East dock of an incandescent lamp that was practical, constant and could be used for reading. Lindsay also pioneered underwater telegraphy, translated the Lord's Prayer into fifty languages, and constructed a chrono-astrolabe capable of calculating many celestial phenomena.

Thomas John MacLagan (1838-1903)

As Medical Superintendent at Dundee Royal Infirmary in the 1860s, Dr MacLagan saved many lives by being the first in Scotland to make clinical use of thermometers. His most important work was the research he carried out into the anti-rheumatic effects of salicin, a chemical extracted from willow bark, a key step in the development of aspirin. MacLagan's contemporaries considered him as influential as Lister and Simpson for his unique medical innovations.

James Chalmers (1782-1853)

Established as a prominent printer and publisher in Castle Street, Dundee, James Chalmers became an avid campaigner for Britain's postal system, eventually reducing the Edinburgh to London service by nearly a day in each direction. This son of Arbroath is regarded as the originator of the concept of adhesive stamps and postal franking, paving the way for the UK to become the first country to introduce postage stamps, when the Penny Black was launched in 1840.

A website by artist Suzanne Scott offers further information on Dundee's Discoveries and the design of the plaques. View Suzanne's website.

Discovery Walk

Related Links

Dundee City Council