[1] He was born in Kendal, in Cumbria, one of several children Ruth (née Stramon) and William Musgrove, a draper.

His industry and ability led Sir William Turner to accept him as demonstrator of anatomy at the University of Edinburgh for several years.

[2] He gained his first doctorate (MD) from the University of St Andrews in 1888[3] and was admitted to membership of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1889.

In 1901 Musgrove was appointed the first professor of anatomy at the University of St Andrews, a post endowed by the 3rd Marquess of Bute.

It was generally regarded as an impressive work, reflecting Musgrove's artistic skills as well as his academic competence.