Biography of Dugald Carmichael

Dugald Carmichael enrolled at the University of Glasgow to study Classics, attending the 1787 Greek class of John Young.

He was born in Lismore, Argyll, son of Archibald. After attending the University of Glasgow, Carmichael took up the study of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, from where he qualified as a surgeon. He served as an assistant-surgeon in the Argyllshire Fencibles in Ireland for nine years, before entering the 72nd Highlanders Regiment as an ensign.

Carmichael would go on to take part in numerous expeditions during his career as an army surgeon: In 1805, he was among those who served under Sir David Baird, who commanded the expedition against the Cape of Good Hope; In 1807, Carmichael volunteered to go to Algoa Bay, modern day Port Elizabeth; In 1810, he was part of the expedition in Mauritius, to capture it from French rule; in 1817 he joined the expedition that took possession of Tristan da Cunha.

Carmichael was granted leave in 1813 during which time he explored the Island of Bourbon, modern day Réunion.

Carmichael returned to Argyll in 1817, where he stayed with his sister for two years near Oban, before becoming tenant in 1820 of the farm Ardtur, where he remained till his death in September 1827.

As well as distinguishing himself as army surgeon, Captain Carmichael had continued to develop his life-long interest in natural science, to the extent that he claimed to be known as the ‘Father of Marine Botany'. His extensive travels overseas were also used to add to his botanical knowledge and collections. Among his published research was Some Account of the Island of Tristan da Cunha and of its Natural Productions (1818). As a friend and correspondent of Sir William Hooker, Hooker named many marine plants after him, including the Carmichaeliana or New Zealand Broom. Charles Darwin also acknowledged his contribution in referring to Carmichael as 'an authority on many points in natural science'.

Sources

Other Online Resources

• The Carmichael Watson Project, Edinburgh University Library

Printed Materials

• Addison, W. Innes, The Matriculation Albums of the University of Glasgow, 1728-1858, p.149

Summary

Dugald Carmichael
Captain
Born 1772.
Died September 1827.
GU Degree: Arts, 1787;
University Link: Student
Occupation categories: military; surgeon
English snippet: Arts student at the University of Glasgow in 1787
Record last updated: 19th Feb 2014

Country Associations

Scotland, Lismore
Place of Birth

Scotland, Ardtur
Place of Death

Ireland, No Region

Mauritius, No Region

Réunion, No Region

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Tristan da Cunha

South Africa, No Region

For many of our Irish connections, particularly those prior to 1922, it is not clear which part(s) of the island of Ireland they should be associated with and it is often difficult to find out. If you have more information about any of these connections, please get in touch.

University Connections

University Roles

• Student