Sir Alexander Crichton, F.R.S. (1763-1856), imperial Russian physician at large

Abstract

This paper complements and supplements Dr Tansey's study of Sir Alexander Crichton's life and works. Recapitulating the main aspects of his career, it emphasizes his lectures and some of his scientific activities before he went to Russia in 1804 as physician to Tsar Alexander I and the Dowager Empress Maria Federovna. Following his departure from Russia in 1819, the emphasis is on Crichton's continuing relationships with members of the Imperial family, his associations with Prince Lieven, the Russian Ambassador in London and, in particular, his medical treatment of the Grand Duchess Helena Pavlovna.