George Cheyne (settler)

George Cheyne (1671-1743) was a Scottish physician and early writer on the principles of healthy living, best known for his works on diet, obesity, and mental health. While primarily remembered for his medical contributions, the "settler" descriptor often associated with his name alludes to a less widely known aspect of his life: his involvement in colonial ventures and land speculation, specifically in North America.

Cheyne, despite never physically emigrating, invested significantly in land schemes aimed at settling and developing territories in the New World, particularly in the Carolinas and potentially other areas. His investments were driven by both the potential for financial gain and a belief in the expansion of British influence. Documentation regarding the exact scope and success of his colonial investments is limited, but contemporary records indicate he participated in several land acquisition projects, acting as an absentee landowner and investor.

His writings, while largely focused on health and philosophy, sometimes reflect the prevailing colonial attitudes of the time, although not explicitly advocating for specific colonial policies. He frequently commented on the benefits of a simple, natural life, which could be interpreted as aligning with the perceived virtues of frontier living.

The "settler" aspect of George Cheyne's identity is crucial in understanding the broader context of his era, demonstrating how even prominent intellectuals and medical figures participated in, and benefited from, the expansion of European empires and the exploitation of land resources in the Americas.