Alexander Barr was probably born in Glasgow in the 1810s . His father, John Barr, worked for James Finlay and Co. Alexander studied medicine at the Anderson's University, Glasgow , and the University of Glasgow from 1832-1836 , and was awarded his licentiate to practice medicine from the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in April 1836 . He then worked as an Assistant Surgeon (and later Assistant Surgeon in Charge) with the Royal Navy from 1837-1846 , serving on board HMS Royal Adelaide, HMS Ringdove, HMS Cornwallis, HMS Champion, HMS Griffon, HMS Avon, HMS Columbia, HMS Comet, HMS Growler, HMS Hydra, HMS Cacique and HMS Tortoise. Nothing is known of his subsequent career.
From the guide to the Papers of Alexander Barr, fl 1832-1846, medical student, University of Glasgow, Scotland, 1827-1844, (Glasgow University Archive Services)
