Wick Museum
Dr John Alexander’s Specimen Slide Set is in the custodianship of The Wick Heritage Museum. His life long commitment to improving the health of the community is demonstrated by the fact he built up and used these various specimens that contributed to his knowledge of diseases.
John Alexander was born in 1839 at Cromiequoy Farm, Watten where his father William was a farmer. John initially studied for a teaching career but an interest in medicine took over and he qualified from Glasgow in 1867.
Returning to Wick he set up his medical practice in 1868 and was later joined in the practice by his brother, Alexander. Their medical practice covered much of Caithness and Doctor John, as he was known, brought his professional skills and compassion to his many patients. He loved Caithness and understood its people. In 1891 John Alexander became the first full time Medical Officer of Health for the County of Caithness.
In an extensive report to the District Committee of the County that he “would impress upon the Council the great importance of adopting the Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act at an early date”.
Object Location: The Wick Heritage Museum, 20 Bank Row, Wick KW1 5EY
Highland Objects 