He was educated at the High School of Edinburgh where he formed a lifelong friendship with his contemporary James Syme who became one of the greatest surgeons ( LeFanu , 1974 ) .
His father was Robert Willis , a merchant at Leith .
Robert Willis was educated at the High School of Edinburgh where Robert Willis formed a lifelong friendship with Robert Willis ' contemporary James Syme who became one of the greatest surgeons ( LeFanu , 1974 ) .
His father was Robert Willis , a merchant at Leith .