Arthur Edmondston facts for kids
Arthur Edmondston (1776–1841) was a Scottish doctor and writer. He lived and worked in the Shetland Isles, a group of islands north of mainland Scotland.
About Arthur Edmondston
Arthur Edmondston was born around 1776 in Lerwick, the main town in the Shetland Islands. His father, Laurence Edmondston, was also a surgeon (a type of doctor) in Lerwick. The Edmondston family was one of the oldest and most respected families in Shetland. For many years, Arthur's father was the only doctor in the islands.
Arthur decided to follow in his father's footsteps and become a doctor too. He joined the army and served as a doctor with a famous general named Ralph Abercromby in Egypt.
After his time in the army, Arthur returned to Lerwick. He took over his father's medical practice and continued to care for the people of Shetland. He was known as a very skilled doctor, especially good at treating eye diseases. Arthur Edmondston never married and passed away in 1841. His brother, Dr. Laurence Edmondston, was also a well-known doctor.
Arthur Edmondston's Writings
Arthur Edmondston wrote several important books during his life. He wrote two studies about eye diseases, which were published in 1802 and 1806.
His most famous work was a two-volume book called View of the Ancient and Present State of the Zetland Islands. It was published in 1809. In this book, he wrote all about the Shetland Islands. He covered many topics, including:
- The history of Shetland
- Its natural environment, like plants and animals
- How people farmed and fished
- Trade and business in the islands
- Old buildings and ancient items
- The customs and traditions of the people
This book is still an important source of information for people studying the history and culture of the Shetland Islands.
