James Fairlie Gemmill facts for kids

James Fairlie Gemmill (1867–1926) was a smart Scottish doctor, botanist, and writer. He loved nature and was also a big fan of the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns.

A Young Life in Scotland

James was born on November 28, 1867, at Hillhead Farm near Mauchline, a town in Ayrshire, Scotland. His parents were Cuthbert and Jeanie Gemmill. He went to primary school in Mauchline and then to Kilmarnock Academy.

Studying Medicine

He decided to study medicine at Glasgow University. He earned his first medical degree in 1894. Later, he received his doctorate (MD) in 1900.

University Lecturer

After finishing his studies, James became a lecturer at Glasgow University. He taught both surgery and Embryology, which is the study of how living things develop before birth. He taught there until 1916.

Serving in the War

During the First World War, James joined the army as a doctor in 1916. He became a lieutenant in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Even though he was not eager at first, he rose to the rank of Major. At that time, he lived in Glasgow.

Professor in Dundee

In 1919, after the war, James moved to Dundee. He became a professor of Natural History at University College, Dundee. This meant he taught about plants, animals, and the natural world.

Honored for His Work

James was recognized for his important work. In 1923, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The next year, he was also elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. These are very special honors for scientists.

He died in 1926 and was buried in the Western Cemetery, Dundee. He was not married and did not have a family.

Publications

James Fairlie Gemmill wrote several books and papers. Here are some of his important works:

• Turbellalia of the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition (1907)
• The Teratology of Fishes (1901, reprinted 1912) - This book was about unusual developments in fish.
• Natural History in the Poetry of Robert Burns (1928) - This book explored how nature appeared in the poems of Robert Burns.