Dr. Gabriel Gallagher - Newton Physics

Why does Arthur Leared have a plaque in the Bull Ring?

Video screening and discussion of a pioneering Wexford doctor’s legacy.

On 12 October of this year a plaque commemorating Arthur Leared was unveiled at the Bull Ring, Wexford. This followed a lecture on Leared at Wexford Town Library, given by Dr Anne MacLellan, who is writing his biography. Wexford Science Café presents a video of moments from the lecture and unveiling, followed by a discussion of Leared's legacy and why he deserves to be remembered.

Arthur Leared was born in Wexford town in 1822, studied medicine in Dublin and worked as a hospital doctor in Dublin, Oulart and London. He published many articles and commentaries in the leading medical journals. His stand-out achievement was to design a double stethoscope, with tubes to both ears, at a time when a single tube was the standard equipment. He exhibited his design in 1851 in London and is recognised as the inventor of the modern stethoscope.