Abstract
John Hunter (1728–93) was one of the most popular and controversial surgeons of the 18th century. He treated the celebrities of his day including William Pitt the younger, Adam Smith and David Hume. Today he is acclaimed for his pioneering approach as the founder of scientific surgery. Yet a hitherto unknown aspect of his work – looking after the illegitimate offspring of one of his patients – has only recently come to light in some letters transcribed in archives at Glamis Castle in Scotland.