In May 1852 he gained, by competitive examination, a nomination offered to the university of Aberdeen by the chairman of the East India Company.
After holding various posts in the Indian medical service (Bombay) from 1852 onwards, he was appointed in December 1854 residency surgeon in Baroda, where he took an active part in founding the gaekwar's hospital and in vaccinating the native population.
He performed the duties with ability during the trying years of the mutiny, and received the thanks of the resident, Sir Richmond Campbell Shakespear.
In 1859 he was selected to take political charge of Bundelkhand, a district embracing several minor states at that time disordered by bands of mutineers and rebels.
His services were again acknowledged by the government, while the company marked its sense of their importance by a special grant of extra pay.