From the history of the Royal Infirmary published in 1937 we are told that in 1763 at the conclusion of the Seven Years' War with the Peace of Paris many soldiers were disbanded from the army and those falling sick near Edinburgh while on their journey home applied for admission to the Royal Infirmary. The managers were under no obligation to admit disbanded soldiers, but in testimony of their regard for the men who had fought in the late war decided: 'that all sick soldiers of disbanded regiments applying for admission should be received without fee or reward so as to be cured of their several diseases while those who were still in the Infirmary should remain there until they were cured and able to return to their respective homes'. Adam Austin was appointed by the Commander-in-Chief to look after them.