Blane, Gilbert (1749-1834)

Scottish physician. In 1779 he went to the West Indies as physician to Admiral Rodney, and served as physician to the British fleet there until 1781, when he accompanied Rodney home. He introduced reforms, including the issue of citrus fruits to prevent scurvy, and helped draw up the rules for the Quarantine Act of 1799.

He wrote accounts of several engagements and victories over the French which he witnessed, and he received a pension from the crown.