diarydiscoveries

Episode 57: Dr. Dunlop’s Scotland Pt. 3 “Exit God’s Poor Surgeon.” 1888

(To hear this episode scroll to the bottom)

In this episode, Alexander is going to sea! Fifteen years following the “Fenwick Escapade” his boyhood wish is becoming a reality. His medical training and time at school has finished. You will hear about his last days in training, the wonderful send off he was given, and his beautifully written thoughts regarding Nurse McGee. He transitions to life aboard a ship as the only medical authority on board and the immense responsibility he felt. All activities at sea are new to him so he writes about most of it giving us a great idea of what a voyage in 1888 would be like. He fills the pages with descriptions of patients, crew members, passengers, and shipboard duties. All written wonderfully by this young man of 26.

Outside cover of Alexander’s 2nd diary and the beautiful marbled cover pages on the inside.

“1 Somerset Place, Glasgow Scotland” Alexander’s Home.

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow or actually “The Royal.”

I couldn’t find a picture of the S.S. Phoenician but did find this poster from the Allan Line showing an example of the kind of ship Alexander sailed in to Boston.
Part of Boston Harbor during the 1880’s.
“A fine view of the city is obtained as you steam up to it, the most prominent feature in the landscape being the gilded dome of the State House.”

To hear this episode:

https://www.sallysdiaries.com/podcast/episode/7bea3e79/57-dr-dunlops-scotland-pt-3-exit-gods-poor-surgeon-1888

To read a full transcription of Part III of Alexander’s diary, click the following link:

https://sallysdiariesprivatecollection.com/2025/01/08/dr-dunlops-scotland-part-3-exit-gods-poor-surgeon-1888/