Professor Richard Charles Alexander, Professor of Surgery, University of St Andrews

Scope and Content

Papers relating to Alexander's studies at the University of Edinburgh, and in France 1901-1911; first posts and final examinations 1908-1915; service in the Royal Army Medical Corps, in France, and Edinburgh War Hospital, Bangour 1916-1919; Lecturer, and Professor of Surgery, University of St Andrews 1921-1951; case books, treatment and operation books 1914-1933, includes clinical notes, and related correspondence, written while serving in the British Expeditionary Force in France, c.1917-1918; articles and medical case notes 1921-c.1950s; typescript notes for lectures to students c.1935-1958; papers and lectures delivered by Alexander in his capacity as Surgical Director of the Emergency Medical Service in the Eastern Region of Scotland 1939-1945; lectures, given mainly to medical bodies 1930-c.1958; meetings and dinners of Professional Associations; programmes, menus, toast lists, etc 1910-1953; photographs.

Administrative / Biographical History

Richard Charles Alexander, a native of Edinburgh, was educated at George Watson's College, and at the University of Edinburgh, where he initially matriculated as a student of Arts, graduating MA in 1904. By then he had already begun his medical studies, and in 1908 he obtained his Medical degree with honours. A period of study in Paris followed, before he returned to Edinburgh to take up the exacting rounds of the young surgeon in training. In 1911 he obtained the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, rising to become a tutor in clinical surgery, and an interim assistant surgeon. He served in the Royal Army Medical Corps between 1916 and 1919, an experience that was, inevitably, a tough lesson in practical surgery.

Alexander returned to work in Edinburgh, and in 1921 was appointed visiting surgeon at Dundee Royal Infirmary and lecturer in clinical surgery at the University of St Andrews. He became known as a first-rate teacher, with a remarkable memory, and in 1935 was promoted by the University Court to be Professor of Surgery in succession to Professor John Anderson. He also held posts of consulting surgeon to Perth Royal Infirmary and the Memorial Cottage Hospital, St Andrews.

During World War II, Alexander, in addition to his academic duties, served as Surgical Director of the Emergency Medical Service in the Eastern Region of Scotland. In recognition of this work he was awarded the C.B.E. in 1944. With the institution of the National Health Service in 1948, he continued his close relations with the practice of surgery in the hospitals of the Eastern Region, and was a member of the Board of Management of the Dundee General Hospitals.

He retired in 1951, but kept an interest in clinical affairs and was a very well known and active figure in the city until his death in 1968.

Arrangement

Records are arranged within series.

Access Information

Open for consultation subject to preservation requirements. Access must also conform to the restrictions of the Data Protection Act and any other appropriate legislation.

Acquisition Information

Unknown

Note

This collection was previously catalogued as Recs C/10.

Fonds level description compiled by Andrew Nicoll and revised by Sarah Chubb, Archives Hub Project Archivist, May 2002.

Other Finding Aids

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Alternative Form Available

No known copies.

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Custodial History

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Accruals

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Additional Information

The material is original.