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SIR William Wilde is remembered today, not as a man whose brilliance approached genius, but as a person of untidy personal habits and doubtful morals who was also the father of Oscar Wilde. It should not be forgotten that he was not only an outstanding archaeologist and statistician but also one of the brightest lights of the Dublin School of Medicine, which was at its zenith during his lifetime.
He came of Anglo-Saxon stock, his father having been established in Ireland since the
Fig 1.—Bust of Wilde in Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin. This institution was formed in 1897 by amalgamation of St. Mark's Hospital (founded by Wilde) with the National Eye and Ear Infirmary. early 18th century. Like so many who attain distinction in our profession, his father was also a physician. Old Dr. Thomas Wilde had an extensive practice in Roscommon in the province of Connaught,