Medical practitioner; pastoralist. Educated at Aberdeen and London. In 1825 he made the first of several voyages to Australia as surgeon in a convict transport and arrived in Hobart Town in December 1831, and went to Sydney. Applied to Lieutenant Governor Arthur for a land grant which he received in 1833 in spite of changed regulations. Operated a steam ferry service between Hobart and Kangaroo Point in 1832. Sold the business and moved to Launceston after one year. Was appointed medical officer to the colony and became a leader of the early pastoral society. Became an active member of the Geelong community, petitioning for a Presbyterian Church for the area. Director of the Geelong-Melbourne Railway Company, whose line was completed in 1857. Opened the first branch of the Union Bank in the house he rented. Resigned from the Legislative Council from having to attend sittings in Sydney. In March 1844 found himself in financial difficulties through speculation but he recovered and increased his holdings to 150,000 acres. Towards the end of his life he was nearly penniless and had to accept appointment as a medical officer at the Sunbury Boys' Home. When he died on New Years Day in 1866 many mourners, representing most public groups, attended his funeral.