A Corruption of Blood

  Dr Simpson is of course a real historical character. He discovered the anaesthetic properties of chloroform in 1847 and as a result became world-renowned. He and James Syme were constantly in dispute and did almost come to blows outside a patient’s bedroom.

  In 1850, after returning from a trip to London, Simpson became dangerously ill with an axillary abscess and Syme – despite being Simpson’s nemesis – was called in to deal with it. It is not clear why Syme and not another surgical colleague was asked to assist. Whether chloroform was administered or not is unknown.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  armest thanks to those who have made this book and the series possible.

  To everyone at Canongate, especially to our editor, Francis Bickmore, ably assisted by the eagle-eyed Megan Reid. Thanks to Jamie Norman, Vicki Watson and Jenny Fry for keeping Ambrose’s profile so high, and all the wonderful people in the foreign rights department who have seen the books translated into multiple languages.

  Our ongoing gratitude goes to Sophie Scard, Caroline Dawnay and Charles Walker at United Agents for their invaluable feedback and support.

  A special thanks to Eugenie Todd, our copyeditor, who kindly agreed to let her name be used for one of the characters in the book.

  And to all those responsible for digitising archives – what a godsend you are.

  FIND OUT WHERE THE SERIES BEGAN . . .

  ‘Menacing, witty and ingeniously plotted’

  The Times