In 1700, Thomas Veatch inherited from his uncle, a Writer (lawyer), a merchant booth on the south side of the High Street. He was Librarian from 1709 to 1711. While he was in this office, Thomas Kincaid, son of Thomas Kincaid who, with James Borthwick, were the dominant figures in the Incorporation in the 17th century, presented 230 books to the Incorporation for their new building. 'Being persuaded that a full & compleat library of all such books as relate to their profession will not only be a good ornament to that stately fabricke But would also contribute very much towards the Emproving and perfecting of their most usefull and necessary Art, I thought it would not be unhelpful to present the Calling with a small Collection of books'. For his generosity, or 'in regard of good deeds done by him', Kincaid was admitted to the Incorporation without fee.
Veatch was surgeon to Trinity Hospital which looked after the 'decayed burgesses of Edinburgh, their wives and unmarried children'.
He must have been held in high regard because he was one of the surgeons in attendance on Sir John Clerk, nephew of the surgeon, Robert Clerk.
