Introduction

These memoirs were hand written during the final two or three years of Dr. MacDonald’s life, that is, when he was eighty-six, or eighty-eight years old. At that time, he was still working in his medical practice, and spending many hours in surgical assisting.

Writing his own experiences was simply a pastime that often was neglected for days, or even weeks at a time. As a result, some parts of his autobiography got more attention than others. Several episodes were repeated, and it was difficult to choose which version to include in this book.

Despite urging, Dr. MacDonald wrote little about the Eldon years, although it was a vital part of his life. He, naturally, would not disclose medical information about any patient, but many aspects of those six years could have been recorded.

Although I made several early attempts to get his memoirs ready to be put into a book, other projects, and sometimes strong emotions made it impossible. Finally, the challenge has been met, and the life story of a very worthy individual has been told.

It is my earnest desire that you will enjoy reading this book with the same enthusiasm that Dr. MacDonald

put into the story of his heroic life. Hesta MacDonald