Prof. Matthew Hay's academic cap, gown, and hood in box, by R.W.Forsyth Ltd., Edinburgh and Glasgow, 1927

Seen here is the academic dress of Professor Matthew Hay (1855-1932) when he was awarded the Doctor of Laws at Aberdeen in 1927. Matthew Hay graduated in medicine at Edinburgh University in 1878 and proceeded MD in 1881. He was elected an honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in 1898 and made an honorary Doctor of Laws at Edinburgh in 1910. The outfit consists of a so-called John Knox cap and a scarlet cloth gown and hood trimmed with blue silk. They were made by the Glasgow and Edinburgh company R. W. Forsyth Limited. The two ‘frogs’ added on each sleeve show that he was a member of the University Court at Aberdeen. Also seen is the box for storing the ceremonial dress.

Hay was Professor of Forensic Medicine at Aberdeen from 1882 to 1926 and Medical Officer of Health for Aberdeen from 1888 to 1923. He was a public health pioneer, who was instrumental in founding the Aberdeen Joint Hospitals Scheme. This combined public health services and medical education on one site.