BURNES, James. Montrose, Angus 12.2.1801 — London 19.9.1862. British (Scottish) Physician in India. Son of James BSon of James Burnes (1760–1852, provost and a cousin of the poet Robert Burns) and Elizabeth Glegg, brother of —> Alexander Burnes (1805–1841). Educated at Montrose Academy, Edinburgh University and in London hospitals (M.D.), went to Bombay with his brother in 1821. Served as Residency Surgeon in Cutch, participated in 1825 in the expedition against Sindh. Visited the country again in 1827, now invited by local Amirs. In 1834-37 in the U.K. on sick leave. From 1837 held medical and other scientific appointments in Bombay, finally as physician-general. Retired in 1849, lived first in Forfarshire (Scotland), finally in London. LL.D. 1834 Glasgow. Fellow of Royal Society 1835. He was a keen freemason. Married 1829 Sophia Holmes, nine children, and 1862 Esther Pryce.

Publications: Narrative of a visit to the court of Sinde. Bombay 1829, 2nd ed. 253 p. Edinburgh 1831; A Sketch of the History of Cutch. Bombay 1829 (lithographed manuscript edition, no page numbers, apparently republished in 1831 together with his Narrative).

Sources: Buckland, Dictionary; S.L[ane]-P[oole], D.N.B. 7, 1886, 391; *J. Mills, Oxford D.N.B.; Wikipedia with photo and drawing.