Alexander Wood

Background

The son of Thomas Wood, a farmer on the outskirts of Edinburgh, little is known of Alexander Wood"s schooling or apprenticeship.

Career

Because of his lean, lanky physique he was better known to his contemporaries and to posterity as “Language Sandy” Wood. Professional He became a Freeman of the Incorporation of Surgeons in 1756 and was appointed to the staff of the new Royal Infirmary. Elected Deacon (President) of the Incorporation of Surgeons in 1762 he held office for two years.

He was in surgical practice with the surgeons John Rattray (1707 – 1771) and Charles Congleton.

Yet he made no known contributions to the advancement of surgical knowledge. Two of his pupils held him in high regard.

John Bell (1763 – 1820) the surgeon dedicated his book Anatomy of the Human Body to Wood while Sir Alexander Morison (1779 – 1866) the pioneer of psychiatric medicine composed a poem in his honour. His grand-nephew Doctor Alexander Wood (1817–1884) introduced hypodermic medication into medical practice.

Language Sandy became a well known and popular figure in Edinburgh with a reputation for a warm and generous nature.

Achievements

• His treatment of and friendship with the poet Robert Burns contributed to the local celebrity status which he attained.

Membership

He was a member of many dining clubs and convivial societies which characterised the Enlightenment in Edinburgh and he founded two such clubs which continue into the 21st century - the Aesculapian Club (1773) and the Harveian Society (1778).