William Turner was born in Lancaster in 1832. He was educated in private schools and then at St. Bartholomew's Hospital and the University of London where he obtained his M.B. He became a Demonstrator of Anatomy at Edinburgh University in 1854, and in 1867 was appointed Professor of Anatomy there. In 1903, Turner became Principal of Edinburgh University. He was President of the General Medical Council from 1898 to 1904. Turner was Knighted in 1886, and was awarded the K.C.B in 1901. He had also been Vice-Chancellor of the University. Sir William Turner died on 15 February 1916.
From the guide to the Lectures and Correspondence of Sir William Turner (1832-1916), 1862-1912, (Edinburgh University Library)