Dr. John Bishop was born in Sheffield in 1841, and came to Edinburgh at the age of twenty-five, to complete the study of medicine, which he had begun in England. After taking his degree he acted as Professor Lister's house surgeon and subsequently had charge of Dr. Matthews Duncan's, Dr. Keith's, and Dr. Grainger Stewart's wards. In May, 1872, he began to practise as physician and surgeon in Edinburgh, and was soon a favourite amongst his patients, who belonged to the more intellectual class of that generation. He made valuable contributions to various medical dictionaries and reviews in the first years of his general practice. From its commencement he attended Henrietta Bird, introduced by his friend Dr. Murray Mitchell. His study of histological botany first attracted Isabella Bird's interest towards him, and they worked together, using the microscope for practical research. Then his admirable treatment of her sister called out her gratitude and recognition of his medical skill, and this was endorsed by the favourable opinions of his worth both as a doctor and a man held by Edinburgh's best surgeons and professors.

Professional deepened into friendly relations, his ardent intellectual sympathies were attracted and held by Isabella's astonishing mental power, and her many delightful gifts.

It was not wonderful that, unconsciously to herself, she should soon become enshrined in the temple of his heart.