Author: Gregory, James
Biography:
GREGORY, James (1753-1821: ODNB)
Physician, professor. The son of John Gregory, a physician, and Elizabeth (Forbes) Gregory, he was born at Aberdeen and attended Aberdeen Grammar School; King’s College, Aberdeen (briefly); Edinburgh University; and Christ Church, Oxford (one year). In 1767 he returned to Edinburgh to study medicine and graduated in 1774; he then spent two years in Europe furthering his medical studies. On his return, he was appointed to an Edinburgh professorship and became renowned for his lecturing; he also developed his own practice in the city and was widely valued as a physician. Gregory believed that a new medical text was required and published his Conspectus medicinae theoreticae in 1788; he also developed “Gregory’s powder,” used as an antacid, stomachic, and antacid (a principal ingredient was rhubarb grown in his own garden). He was twice married: to Mary Ross in 1781 and, after her 1784 death, to Isabella Macleod in 1796. He and Isabella had eleven children. Gregory enjoyed a lively social life in Edinburgh, public feuds with some of his contemporaries, writing epigrams and dedications as the city required, and befriending various literary men (Robert Burns was an admirer and friend). He was a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and, in 1799, he was appointed physician to the king in Scotland. He suffered a serious carriage accident in 1818 and died of complications from this. He is buried in Canongate Churchyard. (ODNB 13 Feb. 2019)