James Grieve (Scottish translator) facts for kids

James Grieve (who died in 1773) was a smart Scottish man. He was a translator, writer, and doctor. He helped bring back old medical ideas by translating a book by a famous ancient doctor named Celsus.

James Grieve's Early Life and Education

James Grieve studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. He earned his medical degree (MD) in 1733.

Working as a Doctor in Russia

Thomas Jefferys created this map. It shows new discoveries from a big trip called the Second Kamchatka Expedition. These discoveries were written about in a book by Stepan Krasheninnikov.

In 1734, James Grieve was allowed to work as a doctor in Russia. He arrived there before another famous doctor, James Mounsey, who later became the main doctor for Empress Elizabeth.

Grieve worked in different cities in Russia. He was a doctor in Kazan and then in Orenburg. Later, he moved to Saint Petersburg. There, he first worked at an army hospital for the guards. Eventually, he became the City Physician (Shtadt-fizik).

In 1751, he moved to Moscow to be the City Physician there too. He became a "licentiate" from the Royal College of Physicians in 1753. This meant he was officially allowed to practice medicine. He also became a "fellow" of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. He even worked as a doctor for the Empress of Russia herself!

As his time in Russia ended, he translated a very important book. It was called "History of Kamtschatka" and was published in 1763. This book described a huge journey across eastern Asia. This journey started under Emperor Peter I and finished during Empress Elizabeth's rule.

Returning to England and Later Life

In 1764, James Grieve became a doctor at St. Thomas's Hospital in London. The next year, he worked at the London Charterhouse.

He was chosen to be a "fellow" of the Royal Society on March 2, 1769. This is a very important group for scientists. He also became a fellow of the College of Physicians in 1771.

James Grieve passed away on July 9, 1773. He died at his home in Charterhouse Square. A student of his, Dr. Lettsom, said Grieve was a kind man and a humble scholar.

Important Books James Grieve Translated

James Grieve translated two main books that were published:

• A. Cornelius Celsus of Medicine: This book was about medicine and had eight parts. Grieve added his own notes to help explain it. A new version of this translation was printed in 1837.
• History of Kamtschatka: This was a book by Stepan Krasheninnikov. It described the history of Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands. It was first published in London in 1763.

James Grieve's Family Life

James Grieve married Miss Anne Le Grand in late 1764. Sadly, she passed away in 1767. They had one daughter named Anne, who lived longer than both her parents.

Books Translated by James Grieve

• A. Cornelius Celcus of Medicine
• The History of Kamtschatka and the Kurilski Islands, with the Countries Adjacent, (Gloucester 1764).