Background: Adam Brown Kelly, well known for lending his name to Paterson-Brown Kelly syndrome, is steeped in the early history of otolaryngology. To date, little light has been shone on his contributions to the specialty in that exciting period and to his home town of Glasgow.
Method: A historical review of his life and times was undertaken based on surviving accounts of his life, published work and archived memoirs.
Results: This article summarises his life and connections, with particular reference to his unique chair that has survived to this day.
Conclusion: Brown Kelly remains a pioneer of modern otolaryngology, and deserving of prominence within the medical history of Glasgow.
Keywords: History of Medicine; Otolaryngology.