James Gregory (physician) facts for kids
James Gregory (born January 1753 – died 2 April 1821) was a Scottish doctor and an expert in classical studies. He was a very important person in medicine during his time.
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Early Life and Learning
James Gregory was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. His father was John Gregory, who was also a well-known person. James was the oldest son in his family.
He went to several schools and universities to get his education. He studied at Aberdeen Grammar School and King's College, Aberdeen. Later, he went to the University of Edinburgh, where he earned his medical degree in 1774. He also spent time studying in other famous places like University of Oxford, Leyden University, Paris, and Italy.
In 1764, his family moved to Edinburgh. It was probably during his time at Oxford that he developed a strong interest in classical subjects. This interest made him stand out later in his life.
Working as a Doctor in Edinburgh
Soon after returning to Scotland, James Gregory became a professor in 1776. He took over the same teaching position his father used to have. The next year, he also started teaching clinical medicine at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. This meant he taught students by showing them how to treat real patients.
In 1783, James Gregory helped start the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This was a group for important scientists and thinkers.
When William Cullen, another famous doctor, became ill in 1790, James Gregory took over his role. He became the main leader of the School of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. This made him one of the most important medical figures in Scotland.
For the last ten years of his life, James Gregory was considered the top doctor in Scotland. He was also the president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh from 1798 to 1801. He had some disagreements with the college that led to a temporary suspension of his membership in 1809.
His Writings
Besides his medical textbook called Conspectus medicinae theoreticae, James Gregory wrote other important works. In 1787, he published "A Theory of the Moods of Verbs" in a philosophical journal. He also wrote Literary and Philosophical Essays, which came out in two volumes in 1792.
His Family Life
James Gregory was married two times. His first wife, Mary Ross, passed away in 1784. They did not have any children together. He did have a daughter named Sarah Gregory, who was born in 1784.
In 1796, he married Isabella Macleod. They had a large family with 11 children. Many of his children grew up to have important careers. For example, his son James Crawford Gregory became a doctor, and William Gregory also became a doctor and chemist. Another son, Donald Gregory, was an expert in old history. His son Duncan Farquharson Gregory became a mathematician.
The family lived in a very large house at 10 Ainslie Place in the New Town of Edinburgh. James had bought this brand new house shortly before he died.
His Death
James Gregory died on 2 April 1821 in Edinburgh. He was in an accident involving a horse and carriage in St Andrew Square.
He was buried in Canongate Kirkyard, which is a historic churchyard on the Royal Mile. His wife and most of his children are also buried with him. His grave is very close to the grave of Adam Smith, another famous Scottish thinker.
