John Gordon (anatomist)

John Gordon (1786 – 1818) was a Scottish anatomist and physician. He was a prominent figure in the Edinburgh medical scene during the early 19th century, known for his skills as a teacher and dissector.

Gordon was born in Kirkmichael, Dumfries and Galloway. He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1805. He became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1815.

He lectured extensively on anatomy and physiology, attracting large classes of students. Gordon advocated for a thorough understanding of anatomy through dissection, believing it essential for medical practice. He built a considerable private anatomical practice and was a strong proponent of utilising unclaimed bodies for dissection. This placed him at the center of the highly controversial practice of body-snatching, which was rampant at the time due to limited access to cadavers.

Gordon was a contemporary of other prominent anatomists in Edinburgh, including John Barclay. Their professional rivalry was well-known and fueled competition within the medical community.

His contributions to medical literature were limited. However, his skill as a teacher and dissector profoundly influenced a generation of Edinburgh-trained medical practitioners. He died in Edinburgh at the relatively young age of 32.