Thomas Kincaid

Thomas Kincaid (1661–1726), also described as Thomas Kincaid the Younger, was a keen Edinburgh medical student, golfer and archer, whose student diary includes the earliest known instructions for playing golf.

Kincaid's father was an Edinburgh surgeon, Thomas Kincaid (1619–1691), who was a freeman of the Incorporation of Surgeons of Edinburgh and became its deacon (president) in 1652. During 45 years as a surgeon-apothecary, he built up a considerable library.

Kincaid apparently intended to follow a similar career in medicine. He studied medical textbooks by Thomas Willis, Thomas Sydenham and Nicholas Culpeper, as well as learning the Dutch language with the implication that he probably intended going to Leiden University for a medical degree. From January 1687 to December 1688 he kept a detailed diary, recording his studies as well as "today I thought upon" entries giving his thoughts on a wide range of subjects ranging from chemistry and theology to horse breeding, building a meeting house, and making a blacksmith's vise. He described the best way to stand when throwing stones, and techniques for archery, billiards, and golf.

He noted discussions on medicine with his father, visits to his married sisters, and correspondence with his brother James who was in Holland. On a visit to Holyrood Abbey, he saw "the pictures"; portraits of Scottish monarchs. Kincaid also visited the physic garden and Surgeons Yard. His diary entry for 6 November 1688 records "the Prince of Orange landed this day", the arrival of William of Orange which brought the Glorious Revolution.

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