R. J. M. (Robert James McLean) Buchanan

Before becoming a doctor, he worked as an apprentice joiner. He later studied medicine at University College, Liverpool, graduated in 1888, and won academic distinction there, including the Derby Exhibition.

Buchanan built his career in Liverpool medicine. He served at Liverpool Royal Infirmary, became assistant physician to the Hospital for Consumption in 1895, and later held posts including physician to the Stanley Hospital and demonstrator of pathology at University College, Liverpool. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1908.

As an author, he is chiefly remembered for Text-book of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, as well as The Blood in Health and Disease. His writing reflects a doctor deeply engaged with both laboratory medicine and its real-world use in diagnosis, public health, and the law.