Richard Poole, who was born in Edinburgh, obtained his MD from the University of St Andrews in 1805 and established a private medical practice in the city. He was closely involved in the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, serving as councillor and honorary librarian. Poole became physician to the Royal Public Dispensary and developed a particular interest in mental illness. This led to his appointment as medical superintendent of the Royal Lunatic Asylum at Montrose, a post he held until 1845. He later purchased Middlefield House, a private asylum near Aberdeen, which he managed until shortly before his death. Poole was also first editor of the Phrenological Journal.
