Biography of James Brown

James Brown (d 1836) was Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University, 1796 to 1803, although he only taught for a single session. Thomas Coutts, the University's historian, considered Brown's appointment to have been "one of the most unfortunate ever made."

Brown was Minister of Dunino and an assistant to Nicholas Vilant, the Professor of Mathematics at the University of St Andrews, before he was appointed to the Glasgow Chair. After teaching for one session he announced he was unwell and left Glasgow, refusing to return: his teaching duties were taken on by the assistants Thomas Jackson and then William Meikleham. He finally resigned in 1803 with an annuity of £165 per annum for the remaining thirty-three years of his life.

Summary

James Brown
Clergyman
Died 3 November 1836.
University Link: Professor
Occupation categories: clergy; natural philosophers
Record last updated: 17th Jul 2008

University Connections

University Roles

• Professor

Academic Posts

Professorships:

• Natural Philosophy