Robert Areskin (Erskine)
(?-1718)

Robert Areskin, a Scotsman of noble descent, Doctor of Philosophy and Medicine at Oxford, came to Russia in 1704, where he became the family doctor of Prince A.D. Menshikov, who introduced him to Tsar Peter I. Three years later Peter appointed Areskin president of his Pharmacy Department. In 1713, he was appointed Physician in Ordinary.

In his book on Peter I, A. Gordon described Areskin as an honest, friendly, and sensible person.

St Petersburg's healthcare services improved appreciably under his tutelage, especially pharmacies, medical schools and recruitment service for overseas medical professionals. The emperor thought very highly of Areskin and appointed him to high, respectable positions. When St Petersburg was officially declared the new capital of Russia in 1714, Areskin was appointed director of the Kunstkammer and the Library. As Peter's private physician he accompanied the emperor on his trips to Germany, Holland and France. He was close friends with Peter and advised the Tsar on what to buy for his natural science collection. Areskin died in the town of Olonets in 1718. Peter I ordered his body shipped to St Petersburg, and had him buried next to the grave of Tsarina Natalia at the Nevsky Lavra graveyard. The emperor followed the casket and witnessed the interment.

In his Last Will and Testament, Areskin left his library and collections, respectively, to the Imperial Library and the Kunstkammer. Books from Areskin's library are currently stored at the Academy of Science Library according to their topical pertinence.