David Macbeth Moir (5 January 1798 – 6 July 1851) was a Scottish physician and writer.
Moir was born at Musselburgh and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, taking his degree in 1816. Entering into partnership with a Musselburgh doctor he practised there until his death. He was a contributor of both prose and verse to the magazines, and particularly, with the signature of Delta, to Blackwood's Magazine. His life is featured in the book, The “Blackwood” Group by Sir George Douglas, Edinburgh: Oliphant, Anderson & Ferrier, 1897.
A collection of his poetry was edited in 1852 by Thomas Aird. Among his publications were the famous Life of Mansie Wauch, Tailor (1828), which shows his gifts as a humorist, Outlines of the Ancient History of Medicine (1831), and Sketch of the Poetical Literature of the Past Half Century (1851).
He is one of several writers who are claimed as the author of the "Canadian Boat-Song".
He is commemorated by a memorial statue, which was erected in Musselburgh in 1853. There are also several street names in the town which make reference to him, and a branch of the pub chain Weatherspoons opened in February 2012 is named The David Macbeth Moir.
Famous quotes containing the words david and/or macbeth:
“The mountain may be approached more easily and directly on horseback and on foot from the northeast side, by the Aroostook road, and the Wassataquoik River; but in that case you see much less of the wilderness, none of the glorious river and lake scenery, and have no experience of the batteau and the boatman’s life.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Still it cried, “Sleep no more!” to all the house:
“Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor
Shall sleep no more, Macbeth shall sleep no more!””
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)