The Scalpel and the Sword

Young John Houston, an Irish farmer’s son, develops his interest in medicine while helping a country doctor. But it’s not long before his ambition to become a physician sees him studying at Edinburgh University. From there he graduates and goes on to work as an Assistant Surgeon in the military. John travels the world, goes to war and even delivers the child of the Nizam in Ghularabad. Along the way there is bloodshed, heartache and difficult times for the young doctor, but will he ever find true love and be happy?
From Derry to Edinburgh. Madras to Ghularabad and from the shores of Africa to the Peninsula, we follow young Houston’s adventures across the globe as he serves Wellington at the battle of Assaye, escapes the Nizam’s palace with his life and tangles with pirates as he searches for love and happiness.