22 Facts About Duncan Napier

Duncan Scott Napier was a Scottish botanist, herbalist and businessman.

Duncan Napier was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1831, the illegitimate son of a widow who gave him up for adoption soon after his birth.

Duncan Napier was physically abused by his adoptive mother, who was a heavy drinker and who probably resented the boy's presence in a household that already supported three young children.

Duncan Napier received very little education, and was functionally illiterate until his early teens.

Nelson "took a fancy" to Duncan Napier, and arranged for him to spend three consecutive summers at the Penicuik estate.

In 1846, Duncan Napier became apprenticed to a Mr Binnie, a baker in Coltbridge, at a salary of "three pounds per annum and a pair of shoes".

Duncan Napier was shocked to hear that Napier could barely write, that he never went to church and that he drank beer rather than water.

Duncan Napier attended an evening class run by Hope, where he learned to write.

Duncan Napier remained a committed Christian for the rest of his life.

In 1854 at the age of 23, Duncan Napier proposed marriage to Joan McKay, a 20-year old lady whom he had known in Coltbridge but who now lived in the west of Scotland.

Duncan Napier accepted his proposal, despite the fact that the couple hadn't seen each other for six years.

Duncan Napier bought all the issues available on the stall, and subsequently ordered the remaining parts by post.

Duncan Napier had suffered from a chronic cough for many years, possibly from breathing flour dust in the bakery where he worked.

Duncan Napier prepared the syrup according to the recipe, and took it every morning for six months.

The shop was initially run by his wife, but as business increased, Duncan Napier decided to give up his job in the bakery and devote himself full time to the business.

Duncan Napier continued to work in the business for the rest of his life.

Duncan Napier worked very long hours, often rising before dawn to collect herbs and plants, returning in time to open the shop.

Duncan Napier was a leading member of the campaign to establish herbalism as a recognised branch of medicine.

Duncan Napier had nine children, seven of whom survived to adulthood.

Duncan Napier claimed that vaccination was itself causing the death of many children.

On one such occasion, Duncan Napier was fined ten shillings, with 23 shillings in costs.

Duncan Napier's grave is in the south-west section of the western extension of the Grange Cemetery.