MacFarlane was the first to describe desmoid tumours.
[1] He worked as a ship's doctor until 1840, when he settled in Sydney and opened a practice.
[3] He was honorary physician at Sydney Infirmary from 1847 to 1869 and an examiner for the University of Sydney in 1856; he was also awarded an honorary degree from the University of Melbourne.
He was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council from 1858 to 1861 and from 1861 to 1870.
[2] He died in Sydney on 6 July 1873(1873-07-06) (aged 59),[2] survived by his wife Agnes, two daughters and three sons.