Arthur Thomson (physician)

Arthur Thomson (1858 – 1935) was a Scottish physician and anatomist known for his contributions to physical anthropology and his work on human skeletal remains.

Thomson was born in Edinburgh and educated at the University of Edinburgh, where he received his MD in 1883. He became a lecturer in anatomy at the University of Oxford in 1885, later becoming Dr. Lee's Professor of Anatomy, a position he held until his retirement in 1933.

His research interests encompassed various aspects of human anatomy and physical anthropology, including the study of skull morphology, long bone measurements, and the evolution of human form. He is particularly remembered for his research on the influence of environmental factors on skeletal development.

Thomson authored and co-authored several influential books and articles. Notable publications include "A Manual of Anatomy" (co-authored with D.J. Cunningham), which became a standard textbook for medical students, and "The Ancient Races of Thebaid," a study of prehistoric Egyptians based on skeletal remains. His work helped advance the field of anthropometry and provided valuable insights into human variation and adaptation.

Thomson was a fellow of the Royal Society and held numerous other prestigious positions within the scientific community. He played a significant role in shaping the development of physical anthropology as a distinct academic discipline.