James Buchan

James Buchan was born circa 1769 in Edinburgh. He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1792, at which time he became an apprentice to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. During his studies he was a Member of the Royal Medical Society at the University of Edinburgh. From 1800 to 1819 Buchan worked as a physician in Edinburgh as well as in the armed forces. He also served as Inspector General of Army Hospitals, serving actively in Egypt and the Peninsula before returning and retiring in Edinburgh. During his life he also served as governor of the Orphan Hospital and George Heriot's Hospital (now George Heriot's School) in Edinburgh. He was also the President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh from 1819 to 1822 and attended George IV's landing at the port of Leith on 15 August 1822. Buchan died on 12 February 1834 at his place of residence, 9 Picardy Place, Edinburgh.