|
Tom was born in Galston in the Newmills area in 1686. As a
student of medicine at Glasgow University he supported himself by
working in the physic Garden where they grew herbs for medicinal
purposes. Once qualified, Tom travelled Europe.
When Peter the Great became
Czar of Russia he decided to make Russia more modern. He called
in many people of all skills, many from Scotland, and amongst
them, Tom Garvin took up practice in St Petersburg. The Emperor
of China sent an envoy to Russia asking for doctors to be sent to
increase the venery and improve the sex life in the Chinese
court. Tom Garvin was amongst a group of doctors selected by
Peter the Great to travel to China. The group set out in 1713 and
12 out through the mosque or Urals, Siberia, Lake Bakal and
Mongolia and on to the China wall. Tom was therefore one of the
first Scots to see the China wall and he finally ended up at the
Chinese court having travelled the distance of all the 4500
miles.
The Emperor of China was
very impressed with the work undertaken by the group of doctors
and he gave them many gifts. Tom finally returned to Scotland and
married the sister of the Earl of Eglington and became Provost of
Ayr. He still holds the record for being the Provost of Ayr seven
times running.
Tom Garvin was a remarkable
man.
|
