James Black (physician, born 1787)

James Black (physician, born 1787) was a Scottish physician known for his contributions to medical theory and practice in the early 19th century. Born in Perthshire, Scotland in 1787, he received his medical degree from the University of Edinburgh.

Black’s career was primarily spent practicing medicine in various locations throughout Scotland. He became known for his meticulous observation and detailed case studies. He published extensively on a variety of medical topics, including fevers, pulmonary diseases, and the use of various remedies. His writings reflected the medical debates and theories prevalent at the time, often engaging with the ideas of prominent medical figures such as John Brown and Benjamin Rush.

While he did not make any singular, groundbreaking discoveries that revolutionized medical practice, Black’s careful clinical observations and thorough analyses contributed to the ongoing development of medical understanding. His writings provide valuable insights into the state of medicine during the early 19th century and reflect the challenges and limitations of medical knowledge at the time.

His date of death and specific details regarding his later life are not widely documented, making a comprehensive biographical account difficult to construct. His published works remain the primary source of information regarding his professional life and medical perspectives.