Sir Alexander Dick, 3rd Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Alexander Dick, 3rd Baronet
PRCPE FRSE FSA
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| President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh | |
| In office 1756–1763 |
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| Baronet of Prestonfield | |
| In office 1746–1785 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Alexander Cunningham
22 October 1703 |
| Died | 10 November 1785 |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 12 |
| Parents |
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| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | landowner and physician |
Sir Alexander Dick (born October 22, 1703, died November 10, 1785) was an important Scottish person. He owned land and was a doctor. He became the President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, a group for doctors in Scotland.
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About Sir Alexander Dick
Sir Alexander Dick was born Alexander Cunningham in Prestonfield House, Edinburgh. He was the third son of Sir William Cunningham. His mother, Janet Dick, was the only daughter of Sir James Dick.
Becoming Sir Alexander Dick
When his older brother William passed away in 1746, Alexander inherited the title of Baronet. A Baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family. He also inherited Prestonfield, a large estate. At this time, he changed his last name to Dick.
His Education and Career
Alexander went to the Edinburgh High School. He then studied medicine at several famous universities. These included the University of Edinburgh, the University of Leyden in the Netherlands, and the University of St Andrews.
After becoming a doctor, he worked in Pembrokeshire. In 1727, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. This means he was a respected member of this group of doctors. Later, he was chosen to be their President from 1756 to 1763.
Helping Edinburgh Grow
In 1753, Sir Alexander Dick helped plan a new building in Edinburgh. He worked with important people like the Lord Provost (like a mayor) and several judges. They helped choose the spot for the Edinburgh Royal Exchange. This building later became the Edinburgh City Chambers, which is like the city hall.
He was also a founding member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1783. This society was created to promote science and learning. He was also part of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, which studies history and old things.
Sir Alexander Dick is even mentioned in a famous book. It's called The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson by James Boswell.
His Family
Sir Alexander Dick was married two times. His first wife was Janet Dick, whom he married in 1736. Later, in 1762, he married Mary Butler.
He had a large family with 12 children in total. From these, he had 3 sons and 5 daughters who lived. His oldest son, William, became the 4th Baronet after him.
