AS WELL AS his large accomplishments as a medical author, Trotter wrote poetry throughout his life and was the author of a play. He made his debut as a poet when aged only sixteen, with verses published in an Edinburgh newspaper. He continued to write poetry throughout his adult life and in 1829 collected his traceable compositions into a volume called Sea Weeds, with the sub-title Poems written on various occasions, chiefly during a naval life. The ‘M.D.’ was as ever put after his name, and Trotter identified himself as ‘Physician of the Fleet’. Facing the title page is a portrait of the author ‘Aet. 37’, reproduced here on page 147. The picture is of a youngish man of direct and commanding manner who is wearing a periwig. There is a high kerchief around his neck and he sports what appears to be the smart uniform jacket with embroidered buttonholes which, although unofficial at the time, he is known to have enjoyed wearing.

Anyone who gives to the public an offering of their poems written over a lifetime is likely to reveal something of himself, his inner life and changing attitudes – and that is certainly the sub-text for examining Sea Weeds. In terms of literary merit, his verses include some clever and engaging pieces that are likely to give pleasure to any reader, while others by common reckoning would probably be rated as mundane.