Alexander Wood (surgeon) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alexander Wood
Born	(1725-06-14)14 June 1725 Restalrig, Scotland
Died	12 May 1807(1807-05-12) (aged 81) Edinburgh, Scotland
Nationality	Scottish
Education	University of Edinburgh
Occupation	surgeon
Known for	Friendship with Robert Burns First man in Edinburgh to use an umbrella Excentricities including owning a raven and a sheep as pets
Medical career
Sub-specialties	surgery

Alexander Wood (born June 14, 1725 – died May 12, 1807) was a Scottish surgeon. He was a well-known person in Edinburgh during a time called the Scottish Enlightenment. This was a period when new ideas and learning were very popular.

Alexander Wood was often called "Lang Sandy" Wood. This was because he was very tall and thin ("lang" means "long" in Scottish). He was famous for being friends with the poet Robert Burns. He was also known for his unique personality and for being the first person in Edinburgh to use an umbrella!

This picture shows Alexander Wood with an umbrella. He was the first person in Edinburgh to use one.

Early Life and Learning

Alexander Wood was born in a place called Restalrig on June 14, 1725. His father, Thomas Wood, was a farmer. Alexander went to the University of Edinburgh to study medicine. After he finished his studies, he started working as a doctor in Musselburgh.

His Work as a Surgeon

In 1756, Alexander Wood became a member of the Incorporation of Surgeons of Edinburgh. This was a special group for surgeons. He was also chosen to work at the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, which was a hospital.

In 1762, he became the leader (called "Deacon" or President) of the Incorporation of Surgeons. He held this important job for two years. He worked with other surgeons like John Rattray and Charles Congleton.

Many people respected Alexander Wood. A famous surgeon named John Bell even dedicated his book, Anatomy of the Human Body, to him. Another doctor, Sir Alexander Morison, who helped start psychiatric medicine, wrote a poem to honor him.

Alexander Wood was a skilled surgeon. However, he didn't invent new surgical methods or make big discoveries in medicine. He was known more for his kind nature and good care of patients.

His Life and Friends

Alexander Wood married Veronica Chalmers. One of their sons, also named Alexander Wood, became an important government official in Malta. Alexander's brother and his own son also became surgeons in Edinburgh. His grand-nephew, Dr Alexander Wood, later helped introduce a new way to give medicine using a needle (hypodermic medication).

Alexander Wood was a very popular person in Edinburgh. People liked him because he was warm and generous. He was part of many social clubs where people would meet and discuss ideas. He joined the Aesculapian Club in 1773 and the Harveian Society in 1778.

He was known for his unusual habits. He often walked around Edinburgh with his two pets: a tame sheep and a raven that sat on his shoulder! He was also said to be the very first person in Edinburgh to own and use an umbrella, starting around 1780.

In June 1792, he had a scary moment during some public unrest, known as the Dundas Riots. People mistook him for another important person, Sir James Stirling, and he was almost in danger.

The famous poet Lord Byron even wrote about Alexander Wood in his poem Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. This shows how well-known and liked "kind old Sandy Wood" was:

"Oh! for an hour of him who knew no feud, The octogenarian chief, the kind old Sandy Wood!"

Friendship with Robert Burns

Alexander Wood became good friends with the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns. In 1787, Burns hurt his leg while visiting Edinburgh. Alexander Wood treated him. Burns's friend, Agnes Maclehose, wrote to Burns, "I am glad to hear Mr Wood attends you. He is a good soul and a safe surgeon."

Burns himself spoke highly of Wood, calling him "My very worthy respected friend, Mr Alexander Wood" and "one of the noblest men in God’s world - Alexander Wood, Surgeon".

Alexander Wood passed away in Edinburgh on May 12, 1807. He was 82 years old. He is buried in the churchyard at Restalrig.