Gamgee was educated at a number of institutions across Italy, Germany and Switzerland before graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 1852.
[4] Following the death of John Barlow he was invited by William Dick to come to Edinburgh to lecture in animal anatomy and physiology.
[6] In the same year his father came from Italy (via London) and set up a horse infirmary at 206 Rose Street in the New Town.
[5] Appointed by the Privy Council to study the problem of diseased meat being used for human consumption (especially in London), he identified the threat of rinderpest from imported Baltic cows, and other issues.
[8] During a study trip to the USA to look at Texas fever in cattle he encountered and became fascinated by refrigeration.