Alexander Monro Primus

Alexander Monro primus (1697 to 1767) was a Scottish surgeon and anatomist, born in London while his father, the military surgeon John Monro, was on duty there. His father, a prime mover in founding the Edinburgh Medical School, arranged his education so that he might become its first Professor of Anatomy. After an apprenticeship to his father he studied anatomy in London under William Cheselden, then in Paris and Leiden, and returned to Edinburgh to work as a surgeon and anatomy teacher. With the support of Lord Provost George Drummond he was appointed foundation Professor of Anatomy at the University of Edinburgh. He lectured in English rather than the conventional Latin, which proved popular with students and helped the reputation of the school. He is called primus to distinguish him from his son Alexander Monro secundus and grandson Alexander Monro tertius, who succeeded him in the chair; the three held it for 126 years.