Sir Thomas Peter Anderson Stuart (20 June 1856 – 29 February 1920) was a Scottish-born professor of physiology, founder of the medical school at the University of Sydney.

Stuart decided to take up medicine, and working early in the morning and at night[2] passed the preliminary examination at the University of Edinburgh.

[2] Stuart was asked by Professor William Rutherford to become his chief demonstrator;[1] in preparation for this he made further studies in physiology and chemistry at Strasburg.

[1] The only medical school building was one of four rooms, damp and unplastered, and a curriculum had to be prepared and arrangements made for lecturers, demonstrators and attendants.

In June 1884 the University had agreed to build a permanent medical school and plans were drawn up by James Barnet, the government architect.

[1] Now that the medical building was complete, Stuart was able to focus on other things including in bringing about great improvements in the university grounds.

[1] In 1890, while on a visit to Europe, Stuart was asked by the government to go to Berlin and report on Dr Robert Koch's method of treating tuberculosis.

Stuart could not regard the lymph as a successful curative agent, but he recognized that a great field of research had been opened up, which would probably lead to very valuable work being done not only with tuberculosis but with other diseases.

A public service board having been constituted it ruled that though Stuart was a highly efficient officer he should give his whole time to the government positions.

In 1905, Stuart became the inaugural president of the United Dental Hospital of Sydney, in doing so, he had to overcome the opposition of American-trained dentists led by Henry Peach.

[8] With great courage, he continued to carry out his work to as late as January 1920, and he died on at his home in Double Bay on 29 February 1920.

Marble busts of Stuart by James White are held by the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and by the University of Sydney.