His lectures, delivered in English, rather than the conventional Latin, proved popular with students and his qualities as a teacher contributed to the success and reputation of the Edinburgh medical school.

[5][6] In 1717, on completion of his apprenticeship, Alexander Munro was sent to London to study anatomy under William Cheselden, the famous surgeon who was a renowned teacher and a skilful demonstrator.

His career was nearly cut short as a result of a scratch on the hand inflicted while he was dissecting the suppurated lung of a subject, known to have phthisis (tuberculosis).

His mentor and friend, the Scots born accoucheur and anatomist James Douglas was concerned that he would lose the arm as a result of the soft tissue infection which developed.

[3] In the spring of 1718, Alexander Monro primus went to Paris where attended lectures on botany in the Jardin du Roy.

He performed operations under the direction of Thibaut and had instruction in midwifery from Gregoire, in bandaging from Cesau, and in botany from Pierre-Jean-Baptiste Chomel.

[3] On 16 November 1718, Monro entered as a student of Leiden University to study under Herman Boerhaave, the great physician and teacher, who lectured on the theory and practice of physic.

This was backed by the Incorporation of Surgeons, and on 22 January 1720 the Council appointed Monro Professor of Anatomy with a salary of £15 sterling, this modest sum being supplemented by the students' fees of three guineas a head.

Monro appealed to the Town Council to allow him to lecture and perform anatomical demonstrations within the relative safety of the University.

Lord Provost George Drummond helped secure financial backing from local surgeons, physicians, wealthy citizens and Church of Scotland parishes.

[12] Monro and the committee of donors established this hospital in August 1729 in a house in Robertson's Close, rented from the university.

[13] With the growth of the new medical school this soon became too small for purpose and a new teaching hospital was commissioned, designed by the leading architect William Adam.

[3] Thomas Thomson wrote that the book "may be considered as the completion on the subject, since it would be exceedingly difficult and perfectly unnecessary to introduce any improvements upon the descriptions which Dr Monro has given.

[15][16] As a Freeman (or Fellow) of the Incorporation of Surgeons, Monro continued his surgical practice alongside anatomy teaching.

[3] Monro was also a member of the Select Society, which had been founded in 1754 by the painter Allan Ramsay "...to discover the most effectual methods of promoting the good of the country.

[22] The second son, Donald Monro (1727–1802), graduated MD and became Physician-General to the army, physician to St George's Hospital, London and a Fellow of the Royal Society.

[8] For Margaret (died 1802), his only surviving daughter, Monro primus wrote An essay on female conduct 'intended to improve her education.

[23] From 1730, Monro lived in a large flat on the south side of the Lawnmarket, moving in 1750 to Covenant Close off the High Street.