Scottish physician. Name: Alexander WoodCategory: AlumniRole: Scottish physicianTime active in Edinburgh: 19th century A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Alexander’s main contribution to medicine was his development of a technique for administering drugs using a hypodermic syringe. He also played a prominent role in Scottish 19th century medical politics through the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, campaigning for legislation on “lunacy”, pharmacy, sanitary reform and the registration of births and marriages. Alexander was also involved in debates over the poor law in Scotland, chairing the acting committee of the Association for the Improvement of the Condition of the Poor, a charity that provided food and work for the unemployed. This article was published on 2026-03-18
