John and Agnes Hunter had 10 children - including William and John.William was born in Long Calderwood on May 23, 1718. John arrived in 1728.
John Senior had it in mind that William would go into the Scottish church. William, however, had other ideas and entered the medical profession, studying in Glasgow and Edinburgh before moving to, and settling in, London where he created a museum and the Hunterian School of Medicine.
He became Professor of Anatomy in the Royal Academy in 1768 and President of the Medical Society in 1781.
John trained in London under his brother,eventually taking a senior surgical post at St.George's hospital and was appointed physician to George III.
Experience gained in service with the army surgical staff [during the Seven Years' War] enabled him to publish a treatise on gunshot wounds. His skills led to his being named the 'father of scientific surgery'.
As a surgeon, pathologist and comparative anatomist he insisted on rigorous scientific method. He was the first to understand the nature of digestion. He also carried out experiments into the transplantation of tissues.
The brothers amassed a collection of specimens and preparations - William Hunter's being housed in the Hunterian Museum of Glasgow University and John Hunter's are held in the Royal College of Surgeons,London.
Their former home - on Maxwellton Road - has been extended and, as a Heritage House / Museum, is open to the public.

John

William