David Scot

David Scot (c.1770–1834) was a Scottish orientalist and writer.

Life Born about 1770 at Penicuik, near Edinburgh, he was the son of William Scot, a small tenant farmer. His father printed a theological pamphlet. It argued against the Scottish dissenters of the First Secession, and in particular against Adam Gib and his work The Present Truth, a Display of the Secession Testimony (1774). Thomas Murray, from personal knowledge of Scot, wrote that the father was a "jobbing gardener" in Colinton parish; and remarked on Scot's diffidence.

Scot was educated at the parish school and the University of Edinburgh. He was licensed as a preacher by the presbytery of Edinburgh on 25 November 1795. Supporting himself by private teaching, he studied medicine, and graduated M.D. on 25 June 1812. He formed a close friendship with Alexander Murray and Dr. John Leyden, and with their help gained a knowledge of a number of Asian languages.

Family In 1832, Scot married Helen Heugh, daughter of John Heugh of Gartcows, Falkirk, who survived him. The couple had no children.