Professor Richard Charles Alexander, Professor of Surgery, University of St. Andrews 1936-1951

Papers relating to Alexander's studies at the University of Edinburgh, and in France 1901-1911; Alexander in Edinburgh-first posts and final examinations 1908-1915; Alexander's Service in the Royal Army Medical Corps, in France, and thereafter at Edinburgh War Hospital, Bangour 1916-1919; Alexander's period as Lecturer, and Professor of Surgery, University of St. Andrews. [and his parallel career as a practising surgeon] 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. [Restricted access to some of these documents]; Articles and medical case notes, as written up by Alexander. [Mainly on Surgery] 1921-c.1950s; Typescript notes for lectures to students c.1935-1958; World War II-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 and Photographs.

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 M.A. 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.

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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 M.A. 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.

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Retained in custody of the University of Dundee. Nursing certificates belonging to Marjorie Linda Morgan, wife of Richard Charles Alexander were MS 15/266 (custodial history unclear), May 2004 transferred to Lothian Health Board Archive.

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Records of other University of Dundee staff and staff of the preceding institutions are mainly held in UR-SF. Papers of staff not in this fonds: GB 0254 MS 111 William Maxwell Jamieson. Staff related material: GB 0254 MS 56 Henry Boase, GB 0254 MS 79 Mrs Barbara S Martin: Patrick Geddes Memorabilia. Nursing certificates of Marjorie Linda Morgan, wife of Richard Charles Alexander, were MS 15/266, in May 2004 trasferred to Lothian Health Board Archive.

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