Alexander Monro (primus), Life of Dr Ar. Monro in his own hand.
Alexander Monro (1697-1767), son of John Monro, was admitted to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh on the 20th November 1719, and made Professor of Anatomy on the 29th January 1720. His swift ascension was due in no small part to the political manoeuvrings of his father. Life was written by Alexander Primus in the third person, and dates no earlier than 1760. Page five retells his first public anatomy lecture, where to his dismay, he discovered his father had invited several august members of the College to attend. He became so nervous that he forgot his speech and had to present the lecture extempore. It is said that such was his success, he never again attempted to practice his speeches, but rather ensured he mastered the topic, and simply used headings to organise his classes. This manuscript was donated to the Medical School Library in 1938 by Mrs C. Saxby (nee Hector), Sir David Monro's granddaughter.
Alexander Monro (primus), Life of Dr Ar. Monro in his own hand. Manuscript, ca. 1760.