Robertson, Robert Thin Craig

Reference HB98
Dates of Creation 1871
Name of Creator Robertson, Robert Thin Craig (British surgeon : 1845-1920)
Language of Material English
Physical Description 0.05 metres

Scope and Content

Diary as ship’s surgeon on SS Atacama, as surgeon to the the Pacific Steam Navigation Company shore hospital in Peru and then as ship’s surgeon on SS John Elder and RMS Chimborazo, 1871.
The diary describes his first journey from Liverpool via France, Portugal, Brazil and Uraguay to Chile and Peru, his service on shore in Peru, the return journey to Liverpool and his second voyage on the same route.
Dr Robertson writes about: cargoes; passengers, including emigrants and migrant labourers transported from Valparaiso to Callao; his medical and environmental health work on board, including injuries to seamen; quarantine and other health precautions at ports; prevalence of goitre in Peru; need for sanitary reform [good public water supply and sewerage] in Peru; study of medical textbooks and journals; visits to copper, guano and nitrate of soda works on shore; leisure pursuits, including inland exploration in Peru; romance with Miss Emily K Rabbe.
Also typescript transcription of diary compiled by Dr Peter Stewart.

Administrative / Biographical History

Born: 1845. Educated: Glasgow University. Qualifications: MB, 1868. He practised in Motherwell, Doncaster and Hamilton and was employed by the Pacific Steam Navigation Company both as a ship’s surgeon and as surgeon to their shore hospital in Peru. Dr Robertson was a medical officer in the Volunteer Brigade of the Scottish Rifles and then a Surgeon-Major in the Army Medical Reserve. Died: 1920.

Arrangement
One item only

Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions

Acquisition Information
Dr Peter Stewart, Hamilton

Other Finding Aids
Descriptive list

Alternative Form Available
No known copies

Archivist's Note
Fonds level description compiled by Alistair Tough, 6 June 2019

Appraisal Information
This material has been appraised in line with standard procedures

Custodial History
Unknown

Accruals
None expected

Related Material
None