In that time, he radically transformed anatomy teaching at the university, improved the Aberdeen medical school; set up the museum of anatomy; and helped to lead the reconstruction of the Aberdeen Infirmary. He vigorously collected specimens for his museum, "prepared or otherwise provided, mainly by the work of my own hands, and at my own expense". The specimens were arranged to enable students to compare the anatomy of different animals.
During that period, he transformed anatomy teaching at the university, improved the Aberdeen medical school; established a museum of anatomy; and played a crucial role in the reconstruction of the Aberdeen Infirmary. He personally collected specimens for his museum, which were arranged to enable students to compare the anatomy of different animals.