Thomas Fraser (physician)

Scottish physician and pharmacologist

Thomas Richard Fraser (5 February 1841 – 4 January 1920) was a prominent Scottish physician and pharmacologist known for his pioneering work in the field of toxicology and pharmacology. He made significant contributions to the understanding of the physiological effects of various alkaloids and was instrumental in the development of modern pharmacological practices.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Fraser was born in Calcutta, British India, where his father was serving as a surgeon in the British Army. He returned to Scotland for his education, attending the University of Edinburgh, where he studied medicine. Fraser graduated with an MD in 1862, having developed a keen interest in the effects of natural compounds on the human body.

Career

Fraser began his career as a physician at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he worked under the mentorship of Sir James Young Simpson, a pioneer in the use of chloroform as an anesthetic. Fraser's early work focused on the study of curare, a plant-derived alkaloid used by indigenous South American tribes as a poison for hunting.

Research on Alkaloids

Plaque commemorating Thomas Fraser

Fraser's research on alkaloids was groundbreaking. He conducted extensive studies on the physiological effects of atropine, nicotine, and physostigmine, among others. His work on physostigmine, derived from the Calabar bean, was particularly notable. Fraser elucidated its mechanism of action as a reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, paving the way for its use in treating glaucoma and myasthenia gravis.

Academic Contributions

In 1877, Fraser was appointed as the Professor of Materia Medica and Clinical Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, a position he held until his retirement in 1918. During his tenure, he was instrumental in transforming the teaching of pharmacology from a descriptive to an experimental science. Fraser emphasized the importance of laboratory work and clinical trials in the development of new drugs.

Legacy

Fraser's contributions to medicine and pharmacology were widely recognized during his lifetime. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. His work laid the foundation for modern pharmacology and toxicology, influencing generations of researchers and clinicians.

Gravestone of Thomas Fraser

Fraser passed away on 4 January 1920, leaving behind a legacy of scientific inquiry and innovation. His work continues to be celebrated for its impact on the understanding and development of pharmacological agents.

Related Pages

• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Alkaloid
• University of Edinburgh
• Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh