Herbert Spencer PhD, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, DTM&H

Herbert Spencer was the foremost pulmonary pathologist of his generation and, through his book Pathology of the Lung(1962), became an international figure: this book was the essential text and was the only reference for libraries and laboratories. His life's work centred on his interest in the histopathology of lung disease, particularly the elucidation of tumours of the lower respiratory tract. He was in his element with a microscope in the traditional laboratory and in the post-mortem room, though he was one of the first to use electron microscopy to interpret unusual appearances.

Herbert started out with surgical ambitions and quickly obtained his FRCS, but an attack of typhoid fever directed his interests to pathology and he served in the war as a specialist pathologist. This environment also gave him a lifelong interest in tropical pathology. His overseas interests developed, and in the late 1960s he started to become a source of advice on pathological problems - not confined to the lung - and began a long association with Malawi. A week's batch of slides (about 1000 a year) would arrive, and Herbert would send his results back by return of post. A further book, Tropical Pathology, appeared in 1973,and Herbert helped to train a succession of histopathologists from Africa.

He also encouraged and supported the development of a geographic pathology unit in his department at St Thomas's.
Herbert was a meticulous worker with a formidable intellect and phenomenal memory. His formal teaching was brilliant, and teaching evidently gave him great pleasure. Not surprisingly, he was widely used as an examiner by colleges and universities. A shy man who did not seek the limelight in the politics of the medical school or university, he was, however, very approachable and helped many people in their careers.

His work and his family were the centre of his life. It was no surprise that when he reached the age of retirement he became an emeritus professor at St Mary's Hospital and joined an elite of hardworking third age pathologists with a wealth of experience between them. He is survived by his wife Eileen, with whom he shared a deep Christian belief, and four children.

 

Brian Creamer

Herbert Spencer, professor of morbid anatomy at St Thomas's Hospital Medical School, London, 1965-80, died 1 June 1993. Born 8 February 1915; educated Highgate school, St Mary's Hospital Medical school (MB, BS 1937). Served in Royal Army Medical Corps 1942-7. Appointed Senior Lecturer in pathology at St. Thomas's Hospital Medical School 1948 and Reader 1954. Visiting professor at Yale University, Connecticut 1961.