Robert Robertson (physician)

Robert Robertson (1742 to 1829) was a Scottish-born British surgeon and physician and a Fellow of the Royal Society. Trained as a surgeon, he worked as a naval doctor, first on whaling ships from 1760 and then in the Royal Navy from 1768, and during his many voyages he recorded observations on fevers, scurvy and other illnesses. After 23 years of service he moved to private practice in Hampshire, took a doctorate of medicine at the University of Aberdeen in 1779 and was admitted a Licentiate of the College of Physicians. He later served as physician and then director at Greenwich Hospital, where he was among the early practitioners in the care of the elderly. His published works include a physical journal of voyages to Africa and the West Indies, an essay on fevers, and writings on the diseases of seamen and soldiers.