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A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Robert Douglas

Author: Robert Douglas (1820–1844)

Biography: Robert Douglas was born in Glasgow, the son of businessman Edward Douglas. He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh with the aim of becoming a naval surgeon. While in school, he began writing verse which was published in local newspapers. Unfortunately, the financial difficulties of his father caused the temporary suspension of his medical studies. For three years, Douglas worked as clerk in a lawyer's office. In 1841, he finally obtained his degree, and he procured an appointment in the navy at the end of the year. About the same time, he sent off some sketches to the New Monthly Magazine, they were accepted, and appeared under the title Reminiscences of a Medical Student. The following year he began his service in the navy, traveling the Mediterranean, South Africa, and Brazil. Douglas's health began to suffer and this contributed to his death from typhus in October 1844 at the age of 24. His sketches, along with a memoir of his life, were collected and published posthumously as Adventures of a Medical Student in 1848.

Author Tags:

References: "Sketch of the Life of the Author," The Adventures of a Medical Student (Colburn, 1848)

Fiction Titles:

  1. Adventures of a Medical Student.  3 vol.  London: Henry Colburn, 1848.