MEMOIR OF THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF
Dr. Alexander Russell, an elder brother, had been for a considerable time in Turkey,
as physician to the English factory at Aleppo. Dr. Patrick joined him there in 1 7 50,
and lived with him for several years. During this time, he applied himself with great
diligence, and with remarkable success, to the acquisition of the different languages of
Syria.
I n 1 7 5 5 Dr. Alexander Russell left Aleppo on his return to Britain, and his brother
Patrick succeeded him as physician to the British factory.
In this situation. Dr. Patrick Russell's affable and engaging disposition soon rendered
him as much beloved as his predecessor had been. It endeared him not less to the Turks,
than to the resident Europeans. His medical attentions were equally as conspicuous to
the natives of all ranks, as to the gentlemen belonging to the English factory. Such was
the esteem he was held in by the Bashaw of Aleppo, that he was honoured with the
privilege of wearing a turban ; there considered as a signal mark of distinction to an
European, and one which is seldom conferred.
Although his professional labours occupied much of his time, and were attended, in
that climate, with great personal fatigue, his ardent attachment to the study of natural
history incited him to snatch every opportunity for such investigations. He occasionally
transmitted communications on their results to his friends in Britain,
Dr. Alexander having, in 1 7 56, published his Natural History of Aleppo, sent a copy
to his successor, with an earnest request that he would collect and send home additional
information. To Dr. Patrick's own predilection for such studies, was thus superadded the
powerful motive of gratifying a brother, to whom he was bound by ties of esteem and
gratitude, as well as affection. For many years, therefore, did he continue regularly to
correspond with his brother on scientific subjects connected with the history of Syria, and
to collect and transmit authentic information on a great variety of topics, in the view of
correcting and enlarging a second edition of the Natural History of Aleppo.
I n 1 7 59 several remarkable shocks of an earthquake occurred in Syria. Of the phenomena
attending these, and of their consequences. Dr. Russell gave a particular account
in letters to his brother Alexander. Tliese letters were published in the Philosophical
Transactions for 1760.*
Aleppo, it is well known, is liable to that calamitous epidemic, the plague. When the
first symptoms of that scourge of human nature at any time appeared, far from shutting
himself up, as was customary with Europeans, Dr . Russell remained calm and collected, and
displayed a steady perseverance in the discharge of his duty, which could result only from
the guidance of a beneficent, courageous, and well regulated mind. After communicating
to the English Consul instructions in writing for the observance of those attached to the
English factory, he used to take leave of all his friends, who, at his express desire, shut
themselves up within the limits of the factory, and did not suffer the least intercourse to
be had with them. At the most imminent risk did Dr. Russell then apply himself to the
treatment of the diseased. If he was not able to arrest the progress of the malady, he had
thus at least the best opportunities of investigating its nature, watching its symptoms, and
trying the effects of various powerful medicines, and different modes of treatment. The
correct and extensive information which he acquired by experience in this most hazardous
manner, during several successive visitations of the plague in 1 7GO, 61, and C2, qualified
him in a peculiar manner for writing a history of that direful distemper ; at! advantage
of which he happily survived long afterwards to avail himself.
* Vol. LI. Part II. p. 529.
PATRICK RUSSELL, M. D. xi
After a residence of about twenty years at Aleppo, he resolved to revisit his native
country. He travelled chiefly over land ; and he rendered his journey through Italy and
France interesting and useful, not only to himself, but eventually to his countrymen, by
minutely examining all the principal lazarettos in those countries, and inquiring into
their regulations, and general management. The proper care of the sick in all public hospitals
was always a subject he had much at heart.
Soon after his return to England in 17 72, he went to Edinburgh, where he remained
some time, having views of settling as a physician in that city. Afterwards, however, by
the advice of the late Dr. Fothergill, (who was always in habits of intimate friendship
with him, as well as with his elder brother,) he removed to London, on account of the
wider sphere it offered for professional exertion.
I n London he remained till the latter end of the year 17 81, when affection for his brother,
Mr. Claud Russell, whose precarious state of health at that time required constant
and particular attention, induced him to sacrifice his flattering prospects in the capital, and
accompany his brother to the East Indies.
There he resided principally at Vizagapatam, his b rother having been appointed to the
highest office in that settlement. His time and attention were, in a great measure, devoted to
the natural history of that country, which had been hitherto little explored. Dr. Koenig, indeed,(
whomDr. Russell met injune , 1 7 82, a tTranquebar , on the Coast of Coromandel), had
for some years been employed by the Honourable the East Indi a Company in the botasiical
department: and Dr. Russell has, in a Preface which he wrote to the first fasciculus of
Coromandel Plants, born ample testimony to the zeal and success of that botanist." On
Dr. Koenig's death at Jagrenatporum, injune, 1 7 8 5, the Governor of Madras communicated
to Dr. Russell, in very flattering terms, his wish that he should accept of the appointment
of Botanist or Naturalist to the Company. Fortunately for science, the Doctor
accepted the offer, through the persuasion of his brother, Mr. Claud Russell. This was in
November, 1 7 8 5. During the three following years Dr. Russell was indefatigable in his
researches, turning to the best account the facilities afforded by his appointment , not confining
his attention to the vegetable kingdom, but eagerly collecting, figuring, and describing
the Fishes and the Serpents of the country.
I n the botanical department, he began by submitting to the Governor of Madras an
extensive plan for acquiring information concerning such plants of the country as are put
to any economical use. He proposed that letters should issue from the highest authority,
inviting the gentlemen, particularly of the medical department, resident at the different
stations, to transmit every information in their power concerning such useful plants,
accompanied with specimens of each plant, including the leaf, flower, and fruit, with a
view to publication. This plan having met with the sanction both of the Madras Government
and of the Medical Board, was immediately commenced.
It is well known that serpents are numerous in the East Indies, and that the bite of
some species produces the most direful effects. With the humane view of enabling any
one, though not a naturalist, to distinguish a poisonous from a harmless serpent, and
thereby relieve the anxious doubts and fears of many who might happen to be bitten, he,
in the end of the year 1 7 87, drew up a distinct description of the peculiar organs to be
observed in the mouth of a poisonous serpent, illustrated with figures. These descriptions
and figures were published by order of the Government of Madras, and copies transmitted
• John Gerard Koenig was, it is believed, a native of Courland. He was a pupil of tire illustrious Linnsus. He visited
Iceland in 1765 ; and Liiina:us named a curious little plant discovered in that remote island, in honour of him, Soenigia
Jcelaiulica.