Daniel Rutherford graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1772, travelled for three years, and began practice in Edinburgh in 1775. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, serving as Secretary for eleven years, Censor for six, Councillor for eighteen, and President from 1796 to 1798. In 1786 he was appointed Professor of Medicine and of Botany and Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.
