Biographies

Scholars and engineers associated with the University of Glasgow.

Adam Smith · Nailong illustration

ADAM SMITH / 1723–1790

Adam Smith

Moral philosopher and political economist

Former Glasgow student; later Professor of Logic and Moral Philosophy

Adam Smith was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland. He entered the University of Glasgow in 1737, studying logic, mathematics, natural philosophy and moral philosophy under the influence of Francis Hutcheson. In 1740, a Snell Scholarship took him to Balliol College, Oxford. His early studies at Glasgow did not end in formal graduation.

Smith returned to Glasgow as Professor of Logic in 1751 and subsequently became Professor of Moral Philosophy. He taught ethics, jurisprudence and political economy. The Theory of Moral Sentiments, published in 1759, examined moral judgement, sympathy and social relationships.

An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations appeared in 1776. It examined the division of labour, exchange, capital accumulation and economic policy. Smith was elected Rector of Glasgow in 1787. He died in Edinburgh in 1790.

Life chronology

1737: Entered the University of Glasgow.
1751: Returned as Professor of Logic.
1759: Published The Theory of Moral Sentiments.
1776: Published The Wealth of Nations.
1790: Died in Edinburgh.

SourcesUniversity of Glasgow — Smith at Glasgow ↗University of Glasgow — Adam Smith: Key works ↗University of Glasgow — Adam Smith: Life ↗

James Watt · Nailong illustration

JAMES WATT / 1736–1819

James Watt

Engineer and instrument maker

Made and repaired scientific instruments for Glasgow, 1756–1764

James Watt was born in Greenock, Scotland, and trained in instrument making in Glasgow and London. In 1756, the University employed him to restore astronomical instruments and provided a workshop. His principal connection was as an instrument maker rather than a student who graduated there.

In the winter of 1763–1764, Watt was asked to repair a Newcomen engine model used for teaching. He recognised the heat lost through repeatedly cooling and reheating the cylinder. In 1765, he conceived a separate condenser, allowing steam to condense in a vessel apart from the cylinder.

Watt later worked with Matthew Boulton to bring improved engines into commercial production. His contribution was to improve existing steam engines, not to invent the first steam engine. He died in 1819. The University still preserves the Newcomen model associated with his investigations.

Life chronology

1736: Born in Greenock.
1756: Began making and repairing instruments for Glasgow.
1763–1764: Repaired the Newcomen engine model.
1765: Conceived the separate condenser.
1819: Died.

SourcesUniversity of Glasgow — James Watt and the University ↗University Story — James Watt ↗

Lord Kelvin · Nailong illustration

WILLIAM THOMSON, LORD KELVIN / 1824–1907

Lord Kelvin

Physicist and mathematician

Professor of Natural Philosophy, 1846–1899; later Chancellor

William Thomson was born in Belfast and moved to Glasgow with his family as a child. He began studying at the University at ten. Later known as Lord Kelvin, he became Professor of Natural Philosophy in 1846 and held the chair until 1899.

His work covered thermodynamics, electricity and mathematical physics. He proposed an absolute temperature scale, contributed to the transatlantic telegraph project, and developed communications and navigational instruments. He was knighted in 1866 for his telegraph work and became Baron Kelvin in 1892.

Thomson retained his academic links after leaving the chair. He was elected Chancellor in 1904 and served until 1907. He died on 17 December 1907 and was buried in Westminster Abbey, London.

Life chronology

1824: Born in Belfast.
1846: Became Professor of Natural Philosophy at Glasgow.
1866: Knighted.
1892: Created Baron Kelvin.
1904: Elected Chancellor of Glasgow.
1907: Died.

SourcesSchool of Physics & Astronomy — Lord Kelvin ↗University of Glasgow — Men and women of fame ↗