OFFICERS
OF THE
mariscbal College and University
OF
ABERDEEN
1593-1800
PKIXTl-.I) AT THI- UNIVERSITY' [>K
OFFICERS
OF THE
MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY
ABERDEEN
v ^ ,
OFFICERS
OF THE
mariscbal College and University
OF
ABERDEEN
1593-1860
PRINTED AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS
1897
NOTE.
THROUGH the courtesy of the Council of the New Spalding
Club, the Library Committee of the University of Aberdeen
has been enabled to obtain — for purposes of exchange with
other academic bodies — a limited number of copies on ordinary
paper of sheets A to K of Vol. II. of the Fasti Academiae
M arise allanae, printed by the Club under the editorship of its
secretary. "Vol. I.," referred to in the footnotes, is the former
volume of the Fasti, printed in 1889.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
CHANCELLORS - 3
RECTORS AND DEANS OF FACULTY- - 10
PRINCIPALS - - 27
REGENTS- - 31
PROFESSORS OF DIVINITY - 51
PROFESSORS OF MATHEMATICS - 53
PROFESSORS OF MEDICINE - - 55
PROFESSORS OF ORIENTAL LANGUAGES - - 57
PROFESSORS OF CHEMISTRY - - 58
PROFESSOR OF CHURCH HISTORY - 60
PROFESSOR OF SURGERY - 61
PROFESSORS OF ANATOMY - 62
PROFESSORS OF HUMANITY - - 63
PROFESSOR OF MEDICAL JURISPRUDENCE 64
LECTURERS IN MEDICAL SCHOOL - 65
LECTURERS ON SCOTS LAW - - 71
LECTURERS ON PRACTICAL RELIGION 72
LECTURERS ON AGRICULTURE 73
LIBRARIANS 74
SACRISTS - 76
OFFICERS OF MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
CHANCELLORS.1
J593- George Keith, fifth Earl Marischal, Baron Keith and Altrie.
Married, ist, Margaret, dau. of Alexander, fifth Baron Home, with issue,
William, sixth Earl, Anne (m. William, second Earl of Morton), Margaret (m.
Sir Robert Arbuthnot) : and, 2nd, Margaret, dau. of James, sixth Baron
Ogilvie, with issue, James and John, who both died without legitimate male
issue. Died 2nd April, 1623. Portrait after Jamesone in possession of
University, reproduced in Vol. I., and in the great window, Mitchell Hall,
Mar. Coll. (Diet. Nat. Biog. Douglas' Peerage. G. E. C.'s Complete Peerage.
See also Ogston's Oratio funebris in obit urn Georgii, etc., Abred., 1623.
Lachrymae Academiae Marischallanae sub obitum Georgii, etc., Abred., 1623.
Smith's Oratio in qua Acad. Marisch. Maecenates commemorantitr, Abred., 1702.
Delit. Poet. Scot., II., 314. The editor has been unable to trace a copy of
Thomas Cargill's "Verse in Latin in commendatioune of my Lord Marischeall
for erecking the new College in Aberdeen," printed for the Aberdeen Town
Council in 1593. Notes and Queries, 7, I., 129.)
1623. William Keith, sixth Earl Marischal.
Married, Mary, dau. of John, seventh Earl of Mar, with issue, William,
seventh Earl ; George, eighth Earl ; Robert, d. unm. ; John, first Earl of
Kintore; Mary (m. John, Lord Kinpont), Jean (m. Alexander, Lord Pitsligo),
and Anne. Died 28th October, 1635. Portrait by Jamesone in possession
of Major the Hon. Robert Baillie-Hamilton, reproduced in Vol. I. (Diet.
1 The duties of the Chancellor are set forth in the Foundation Charter (Vol. I., p. 39),
but nothing is said as to the mode of election. In one passage (p. 44) it is implied that he
may be " minister verbi," but the Earls Marischal were regarded as Chancellors till their for-
feiture in 1716. Their usual title, however, was " patron," the college being called the " Earl
Marischal's College". They issued presentations to the Principalship and the Regencies:
see Vol. I., p. 69.
(3)
MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
THE EARLS MARISCHAL.
Sir Edward Keith,- great marischal of Scotland, d. circa 1350.
Sir William.
i
John.
1
Sir Robert.
1
|
Sir William, created I.
Earl Marischal, circa 1458.
John. Jj
1
^/ £'
1
I
fej P
Robert.
1
William, II.
!
i r«
Jean.
1
1 1
i g» ^
^
William, III.
Robert. Alexander.
John. £ g
1
1
i 1
1 1
1 !. >
<J
Robert. William.
Gilbert. Alexander. £
9>.
i
i |
s
William, IV.
Robert. 2
1
: g
William. Robert, Andrew,
Lord Altrie. Lord Dingwall. p
George, V., founder of Marischal College.
I
William, VI.
1
James. John.
William, VII. George, VIII. Robert. John, I. Earl of Kintore.
Ill I
Mary. Elizabeth. Jean. Isabel. William, IX.
William, II.
I till I I
George, X. James. Mary. Anne. John, III. William, IV. Catherine.
CHANCELLORS. 5
Nat. Biog. Douglas. G. E. C. See also Lachrymae Acad. Maresch. in obitum
Wilhelmi, etc., Abred.,
1 This very scarce volume contains three epigrams by Arthur Johnston, which have
eluded the notice of the editor of Musa Latino. Aberd. They run as follows: —
"IN OBITUM ILLUSTRISSIMI WILHELMI KETHI COMITIS MARESCHALLANI.
" Tot modo terrarum dominus, nunc KETHUS Olympum
Possidet et superi jugera vasta soli.
Marmoreas fugiens et dignas regibus arces,
Aurea nunc coeli, cum love, tecta colit.
Et quos audierat saeclis egisse triumphos
Bis tribus, ingentes hie prope cernit avos.
Quemque clientelis stipatum vidimus, astra
Nunc super, aligero cingitur ille chore.
Et satur ambrosia est et vivit nectare Divum,
Cui latices tellus ante dapesque dedit.
Si bona praeteritis confers praesentia, KETHUS
Dum foret in terris, pauper inopsque fuit.
Si tamen ingenii dotes, animique potentis
Aurea pensentur munera, dives erat.
" ALIUD.
" Ipse tua radians et avita luce coruscus,
Gentis Hyperboreae gloria, KETHE, jaces.
Illustris tibi vita fuit, mors aemula vitae est,
Ilia tuis meritis, conjugis ista nitet.
Te Dea complexa est morientem mollibus ulnis,
Fovit et ambrosio frigida colla sinu :
Ore legens animam, labris infudit amomum,
Fixit et Idaliis oscula plena rosis.
Et sibi sidereos lachrymis suffudit ocellos.
Et clausit nivea lumina functa manu.
Si possent gelido Superi succumbere letho,
Sic ego crediderim Numina velle mori.
"ALIUD.
" KETHE soli coelique decus, non unius uxor
Virtutis specimen, te moriente, dedit.
Luminibus lachrymas libavit et oscula labris,
Dextraque palpebram clausit utramque manus.
Luminibus luctum, labris testatur amorem,
Dextra manus fortem monstrat et esse piam.
"Arth. Johnstonus, M.D."
i66i.
1694.
0 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
1635. William Keith, seventh Earl Marischal.
Married, ist, Elizabeth, dau. of George, third Earl of Winton, with issue,
William (d. in inf.), Mary, (m. Sir James Hope of Hopetoun), Elizabeth (m.
Robert, second Viscount Arbuthnott), Jean (m. George, third Baron Banff),
Isabel (m. Sir Edward Turner, bart.) : 2nd, Anne, dau. of Robert, eighth Earl
of Morton. Died 1661. (Diet. Nat. Biog. G. E. C. The Graduation Theses
of 1626 are dedicated " Comiti de Keth, optimae spei adolescent! " ; those
of 1634, " illustr. Com. Maresch. filio natu maximo, unicis nostrarum musarum
deliciis " ; those of 1658, " Comiti Marischallo, musarum fautori propensis-
simo ". He was a bajan in 1631, infra.)
.l George Keith, eighth Earl Marischal.
Married, Mary, dau. of George, second Earl of Kinnoul, with issue, William,
ninth Earl. Died 1694. (Dedication to Theses of 1669 and 1673. G. E. C,)
William Keith, ninth Earl Marischal.
Married, Mary, dau. of James, fourth Earl of Perth, with issue, George
tenth Earl ; James, Marshal Keith, Mary (m. John, sixth Earl of Wigton),
Anne (m. Alexander, sixth Earl of Galloway). Died 2yth May, 1712. (G.
E. C. Bajan in 1676, infra. Founded in 1701 the professorship of
Medicine : see Vol. I., p. 381.)
1712. George Keith, tenth and last Earl Marischal.
Attainted 1715-16 ; died (unmarried) at Potsdam, 28th May, 1778. Two por-
traits in possession of University. (Diet. Nat. Biog. Jacobite Attempt of 1719,
Edin., 1895. The Theses of 1708 are dedicated " domino de Keith, celsissimi
ac magnanimi herois D. Gulielmi Comitis Marischalli filio primogenito " ;
those of 1714, " potentissimo heroi comiti Marischallo ". The last of the
Earls graduated M.A. of his ancestral college in 1712, his younger brother,
James, afterwards Marshal Keith, taking the same degree three years later:
infra. As to the present representatives of the Earls Marischal, compare the
genealogical trees on pp. 4, 87, with the articles, " The heirs of the Keiths," in
Scottish Notes and Queries for May, 1894, anc^ September, 1896, where many
authorities are quoted ; and with G. E. C.'s Complete Peerage.)
On the attainder of the Earls Marischal, their rights of College patronage
passed to the Crown, but the Commissions of Visitation in 1716 and 1717
apparently made no provision for the appointment of a Chancellor. In 1727
we find the College petitioning King George II. to nominate as Chancellor his
Majesty's second son, William, aged six, who had been created Duke of
Cumberland a month before the date of the Petition.
1 On 6th January, 1643, George, second Marquis of Huntly, was elected Chancellor of
King Charles' University (Vol. I., p. 255) ; but the Marischal College members absented
themselves from the meeting, and refused to recognise the election. (Off. and Grad. of King's
Coll., p. 4.)
CHANCELLORS. 7
" Unto the King's Most Excellent Majesty,
" The most humble Petition and Address of the Rector, Principal, Professors
and Masters of His Majestie's Marischall University of Aberdeen.
" May it please Your Majestic.
" We, Your Majestie's most dutyfull and loyal subjects, haveing the great
honour above all other Universitys in the Nation to be immediately under
your Royal Patronage, humbly beg leave to represent that this Your Majes-
tie's University is at great loss by the want of a Chancelour. Wherefor, if it
be aggreeable to Your Majestie's Royal Pleasure, we earnestly and unani-
mously intreat that Your Majestic our Royal Patron would be graciously
pleas'd to nominate and constitute His Royal Highness, WILLIAM, DUKE OF
CUMBERLAND, Chancelour of this Your University ; which will not only signaly
honour, but greatly tend to the flourishing thereof. And in evidence of our
hearty concurrence, so farr as we are interested, we have presum'd to trans-
mitt a most unanimous commission unto His Royal Highness.
" May God, who has in great mercy to these Kingdoms given Your Majestic
peaceable possession of the throne of Your Royal Ancestors, greatly prosper
and long preserve Your Majestic with your Royal Consort our Gracious Queen,
and all the Royal Branches of Your August Family ; by which, under God,
the great happyness of these Kingdoms can only be secur'd and transmitted
to posterity.
" Given at Your Majestie's College Marischal of Aberdeen, the twenty-eighth
day of August, in the first year of Your Majestie's Reign."
" Commission to his highness, William, Duke of Cumberland.
" We, the Rector, Principal, Professors, and Masters of the Marischal Uni-
versity of Aberdeen, takeing into our consideration the great loss this University
is at by the want of a Chancelour, and how much it will tend to the honour
and flourishing of the same, that some honourable and proper person were
elected into the said office, we all did and hereby doe unanimously nominate
and elect His Royal Highness the High and Mighty Prince, WILLIAM, DUKE
OF CUMBERLAND, Chancelour of this University, which office we most humbly
and earnestly intreat His Royal Highness may accept of. And by the tenor
of these presents we declare that His Royal Highness shall from henceforth
have and enjoy all powers, jurisdiction, and honours which any Chancelour of
this University by the Foundation Charter had or might in times past have
enjoy'd and exercis'd. Promiseing all subjection and obedience unto His
Royal Highness due on our part. In Wittness whereof these present letters
haveing the strength of a publick instrument are inscrib'd by us at his Majestie's
Marischall College of Aberdeen, this twenty-ninth day of August, one thousand
s*even hundred and twenty-seven years, and of His Majestie's reign the first
year. And for further confirmation we have hereunto appended the great seal
of this University.
[Signed] " Patt. Duff, Rector. " Dav. Verner, P.P.
"Tho. Blackwell, Principal. " Daniel Gordon, P.P.
" Matthew Mackaile, Med. Professor. " Wm. Duff, P.P."
O MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
(Marischal College Charter Chest, "Chancellors," i, 2. The second paper
is endorsed : — " This Commission to be in Latine, wrote on parchment and
embelish in due form ".)
The result of this petition is unknown. The Duke became in 1746 Chancellor
of St. Andrews. Kennedy (Annals of Aberdeen, Vol. II., p. 118) gives the Duke
of Cumberland as elected Chancellor in 1747, but Kennedy's dates are notori-
ously inaccurate. See list of Regents, p. 31.
17 ? Archibald Campbell, Earl of Hay (third Duke of Argyll).
The date of election is not recorded. The duke, an alumnus of the Univer-
sities of Glasgow and Utrecht, was created Earl of Hay in 1706, and succeeded
his brother, John, in the dukedom in 1743. In 1716 he was chosen Chancellor
of King's College, but " upon weighty motives " did not accept (Off. and
Grad., p. 5). Kennedy gives John, Duke of Argyll, as Chancellor in 1754, but
his names are only less inaccurate than his dates. Died i5th April, 1761.
(Diet. Nat. Biog.)
1761. John Stuart, third Earl of Bute.
Elected, 25th April, by the Principal and Masters, " taking into consideration
that the office of Chancellor of this University is vacant by the death of his
Grace the Duke of Argyle ". (Minute in new Rectorial Book.) He accepts,
loth August : Latin diploma entered in Minute. (" Writing diploma, £5 55. ;
silver seal box, £i 145. ; vellum, IDS. 6d." Accounts.) Benefactor to the
Library (Vol. I., p. 454), and to the Observatory (Vol., I., p. 448). A promise to
give Natural History specimens to the Museum is mentioned in the Aberdeen
Journal of 6th Dec., 1784. Portrait in possession of University : copy after
Ramsay by William Mossman in 1763. (£16 i6s., with £10 IDS. for frame.
Accoimts.} Died loth March, 1792. (Diet. Nat. Biog.)
1793. David Murray, second Earl of Mansfield.
B.A., Oxon., 1748; D.C.L., 1793. Elected igth April. (Rect. Book:
Diploma, £2 2s.) Died ist Sept., 1796. (Diet. Nat. Biog.)
1796. William Eden, first Baron Auckland.
M.A., Oxon., 1768. Elected 7th November. (Rect. Book : Diploma, £i is.)
" Lord Auckland, an English nobleman, who had never even visited Scotland,
and was not educated there, was chosen Chancellor solely at the instigation of
the Principal, Dr. Brown, whose patron he was, and who had got acquainted
with him when holding his Utrecht situation, at which time Auckland was
ambassador to the States. The proper Chancellor to have been chosen in
1796 was the Marquis of Huntly, as Professor Copland proposed, and never
voted for Lord Auckland. In going after Court patronage, the College fell into
a mistake. All the correspondence passed between the Chancellor and Dr.
Brown, in letters often not seen by the Faculty. Hence the necessity of
the following order : ' 1811, May 31. Principal Brown to read to the Faculty
all letters which he writes in their name, and to lodge copies in the letter
book.'— Mm." (Knight.) Died 28th May, 1814. (Diet. Nat. Biog.)
CHANCELLORS. g
1814. George Gordon, eighth Marquis of Huntly.
Record in Faculty Minute Book, igth July. Had been called to House of
Lords in his father's barony of Gordon, 1807 ; succeeded as fifth and last Duke
of Gordon, 1827. Installed as Chancellor, 22nd December, 1815. (Kennedy's
Annals, II., go. Nobilissimi viri Georgii Marchionis de Huntly Inaugurandi
formula atque modus ; praecipue Oratio habita a Gulielmo Laurent io Brown,
prae/ecto, Abred., 1816. Ode in Aberdeen Journal, 27th Dec., 1815.) Died
25th May, 1836, when the dukedom became extinct. (Min., 3oth June ; Diet.
Nat. Biog.)
1836. Charles Gordon, fifth Duke of Richmond and Lennox.
Record in Faculty Minute Book, 3oth June ; installed 2nd Sept. On the
union of King's and Marischal Colleges became joint Chancellor (with
fourth Earl of Aberdeen) of the University of Aberdeen, i5th Sept., 1860;
died 2ist October, 1860. (Diet. Nat. Biog.)
RECTORS AND DEANS OF FACULTY.1
1598. Peter Blackburn, the elder, minister of Aberdeen, Dean of
Faculty.
Signs feu charter of date 5th Sept., 1598 (Vol. I., p. 76).
1619. Patrick Dun, doctor of medicine, Rector ; William Forbes,
doctor of divinity, D. of F.
Present at visitation of the College, 3ist December, when an ordinance was
made " that the College fees payable by the students to the regents should be
conform as they were appointed at a visitation in the King's College, viz.,
1 For the duties and method of election of the Rector and Dean of Faculty, see the
Foundation Charter (Vol. I., pp. 44-58). The Universities (Scotland) Act of 1858, § 10, pro-
vided that the Rector of the University of Aberdeen should be elected by the matriculated
students " voting according to the present usage in Marischal College ". There has thus been
preserved in Aberdeen a closer approximation to early academic usage than in the other Scot-
tish Universities, for in Aberdeen alone the Rector is still chosen by four procurators, elected
previously by the Nations. In Glasgow the Nations do not elect procurators, but vote
directly for the Rector ; in St. Andrews the Nations were abolished by Ordinance No. 4 of
the 1858 Commission; in Edinburgh they never existed.
" The definition of the Nations given in the Charter does not, in some respects, corre-
spond to what has been long followed in practice. The nation to which foreigners are to be
assigned is not mentioned ; it has been the custom to add them to the Angusians, or those
born south of the Cam o' Month. The word dlocesis employed in the Charter evidently indi-
cates the true division. The A brcdonensis diocesis is divided into the Marriensis and Buchan-
ensis. Marriensis has Garioch added to it, and comprehends not only the tract between the
Dee and the Don, but also Alford, Strathdon, and Garioch, or all to the south of Formartin ;
it also includes the parishes of Strachan, Banchory-Ternan, Banchory-Devenick, and Maryculter,
in the county of Kincardine, but in the diocese of Aberdeen. Buchanensis ought to include
Buchan, Formartin, and Strathbogie, or those parts of the Counties of Aberdeen and Banff
lying between the Deveron on the West and North, and Mar and Garioch on the South, ex-
clusive of all that part of Scotland not included in the two foregoing divisions, lying to the
North of the Mons Grampius (Cam o' Month), which contains the Moraviensis. But as the
parishes of Huntly, Gartly, Rhynie and Essie, Glass, and Cairnie were not within the diocese
of Aberdeen, they ought to be included in the Moraviensis ; and Formartin is by custom
taken in with Mar, Buchan being viewed as having the Ythan for its Southern boundary."
(Knight, circa 1840.)
(10)
RECTORS AND DEANS OF FACULTY. II
twenty merks for the sons of noblemen and barons, ten pound for the sons of
other gentlemen, and the bursars and poor scholars to be taught gratis ".
(Memorials relating to Union of Colleges, Aberd., 1755, p. 24.) Dun had been
Professor of Logic in 1610, and became Principal in 1621, infra. Forbes had
been Professor of Logic in 1601, and became Principal in 1620, infra.
1625. William Forbes, Rector.
Graduation Theses dedicated to him in this capacity, infra.
1632. William Forbes ; John Forbes, doctor, D. of F.
Sign a deed, i4th April, constituting Principal Dun common procurator of
the College (Ch. Ch. " Rectors," 2.) The D. of F. is probably the contemporary
Professor of Divinity at King's College. (Off. and Grad., p. 68.)
1642. William Guild.
Elected " Rector of King Charles' Universitie of Aberdeen," nth Nov. (Off.
and Grad., p. 10.)
1643. William Guild.
Re-elected 23rd November.
1648. David Lindsay.
Signs as Rector a discharge of Marischal College accounts. Minister of
Belhelvie. Seems to have been Rector of King's College, 1645-50. (Off. and
Grad., p. n.) The Caroline Union, though not referred to in the elections,
doubtless subsisted during that period.
1664. Arthur Rose ; Lewis Gordon, M.D., D. of F.
This being the first election recorded in the old Rectorial Minute Book (part
of Album I.), the minutes are quoted verbatim.
" Att Aberdeene the auchteint day of October 1 Jm vic threescore foure yeares
D. James Leslie principall, mr Wm. Meldrum, mr George Banerman,
mr Wm. Patersone, mr John Gordon, regents.
" The quhilk day in presence of the principall and regents of the colledge
Marischall of Aberdeene Gilbert Beidie nottar publict was elected and chosene
clerk to this present meeting and actings thairin by consent of the principall
and haill regents.
" The qlk day the colledge being fullie conveened and divided in four nationes,
the hie classe in the name of the natione of Buchane, the thrid classe in the
name of the natione Marre, the second classe in the name of the natione of
Angus, and the first classe in the name of the natione of Murray, did with ane
uniforme voice choose and nominat mr Alexander Pattoune, mr Robert
Thomsone, mr Duncane Liddell, and Andrew Thomsone, to bee procurators
for electing of ane Rector.
" The said day the principall, masters of the college and procurators aboue-
namit did elect, nominat, and choose master Arthoure Rose, minister at Old
Deare, to be Rector of the said colledge, by whose advice and concurrence the
affaires of the said colledge are to be regulat.
1 The Charter enjoins an annual election on ist March. (Vol. I., p. 57.)
12 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
" Att Aberdeene the nynteint day of October, 1664.
" The said day the principal!, regents of the colledge and procurators aboue-
namit being present, mr Arthoure Rose, Rector abouelected, did accept to
be Rector of the said colledge and gave his oathe de fideli administratione
thruntill, qlk was administrat to him bee doctor Leslie principall.
" Mr Georg Meldrum minr. of Abd. beeing desired to bee present this day
for election of ane Deane of Facultie by severall of the masters of the college
shifted to come and beeing desired this day by mr Wm. Patersone one of the
mrs. personallie at his chamber did not come. In respect qr of doctor
Leslie principall went to the dwellinghous of David Gregorie wher the sd.
mr. George his chamber is and becaus hee could not finde him took instru-
ments that hee requyred the said mr George to be present for the effect for-
said.
" The said day the principall, regents of the colledge, Rector, and procura-
tors abouenamit did proceid to the electione of ane Deane of Faculty, who did
elect nominat and choose doctor Lues Gordone, doctor of phisicke, to bee
Deane of Facultie.
" Att Abd. the twentie twa day of October, 1664.
" The said day in presence of the principall, masters of the colledge, Rector
and procurators abouenamit doctor Lues Gordone, deane of facultie aboue-
elected did accept to be deane of facultie in the said colledge, gave his oath
de fideli administratione thairintill, qlk was administrat to him bee the said
doctor James Leslie principall."
1665. John Milne ; Robert Thomsone, advocate, D. of F.
Election on ist March, and so henceforth. Rectorial Court on ist August,
to consider the " heterodox and profane " theses of Patrick Strachan, regent,
q.v., infra.
1666-72 : no record.
1673. George Meldrum, minister of Aberdeen.
Assessors1: Professor John Menzies, David Lyell, and Patrick Sibbald,
ministers of Aberdeen. " Ane list of grave pious and learned men " was pre-
sented to the procurators to choose from. Court on ist April, anent lands and
march stones of College ; and on 4th May, anent " sacred lessons " by the
regents.
1674. George Meldrum.
Assessors : George Skein of Fintray, Charles Dune, George Wilsone of
Finzeauche, James Milne, burgess.
1675-78 : no record in Minute book. According to Wodrow (Analecta, I.,
176) Meldrum was Rector ten times. He had been a Regent (p. 36), and
was afterwards Professor of Divinity in Edinburgh and Minister of the
Tron Kirk.
1 See Vol. I., p. 75.
RECTORS AND DEANS OF FACULTY. 13
1677. Robert Bruce, D. of F.
Professor Thomas Gordon's MS. Collections.
1679. Patrick Sibbald, minister of Aberdeen ; Robert Spence, preben-
dar of Deir, D. of F.
Assessors : George Meldrum, late Rector ; John Cockeburne, minister of
Udny ; John Ross, minister of Foveran ; George Pattoune of Grandhome.
1680. Patrick Sibbald ; Robert Spence, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year. Court on 24th May, anent students' chambers and
church attendance.
1681. Patrick Sibbald ; Robert Spence, D. of F.
Assessors : George Meldrum, John Ross, George Pattoune, William Blare,
minister of Aberdeen. John Cockburne is "eased of that trowble ".
1682. Patrick Sibbald ; Lewis Gordon, M.D., D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1683 : no record.
1684. Patrick Sibbald.
The minute of election is not preserved, but on i5th May a Court grants
Mr. Thomas Burnet, Regent, leave to study at Leyden during the vacation.
Sibbald becomes Professor of Divinity during this year (p. si).1 Portrait in
possession of University.
1685. Patrick Sibbald ; Dr. George Garden, minister at Aberdeen,
D. of F.
Assessors : as in the " preceiding yeir, only in place of Mr. George Meldrume
they nominat and elected Mr. John Keith, minister of the Gospell in Old Abd.".
1686. Patrick Sibbald ; Dr. George Garden, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1687 : no record.
1688. Dr. William Blair, parson of Saint Nicholas ; John Forbes,
parson of Kincardynoneill, D. of F.
Assessors : Dr. John Rosse, minister at Foverane ; John Pattoune, minister
at Insch ; Alexander Gray, minister at Foott of Die ; Andrew Thomsone,
commissioner depute of Aberdeen ; George Keith of Creichie, advocate.
1689. Dr. William Blair ; John Forbes, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1690. Dr. William Blair ; John Forbes, D. of F.
Assessors : John Pattoune, Alexander Gray, Andrew Thomsone, George
Keith, Alexander Milne, minister at Udny.
1691-1713 : no record.
1 See the prohibition in the Foundation Charter, Vol. I., p. 52.
14 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
1714. The laird of Meldrum [John Urquhart] ; Alexander Thomson of
Portlethen, D. of F.
Assessors : Peter Bannerman, brother to the laird of Elsick ; John Gordon
physician in Aberdeen ; George Keith, advocate in Aberdeen ; William Gellie,
late Dean of Guild. The minute bears that " many difficulties have inter-
rupted " the election " for some years past ". Court on 2oth November sus-
pended Mr. George Keith from his office of regent " untill his offences be more
fully enquired into ".
1715-19 : no record.
1720. Sir William Forbes of Craigievar ; Alexander Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : William Gellie and Thomas Mitchell, baillies in Aberdeen ;
Colin Campbell [father of Principal George C.] and John Osburne [Principal,
1728], ministers there.
1721. Sir William Forbes ; Alexander Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1722. Sir William Forbes.
No minute of election.
1723. Thomas Forbes, younger of Eight [Echt] ; Alexander Thomson
of Portlethen, D. of F.
" The sd. day Mr. Thomas Blackwel, Principal ; Dr. Matthew McKaile, Pro-
fessor of Medicine ; Mr. Patrick Hardie, Mr. David Verner, Mr. George Turn-
bull, Professors of Philosophy, and Mr. George Cruden, Professor of Greek, in
the sd. College, being met in faculty and duely constitute, taking into con-
sideration that by the death of the Honourable Sr. William Forbes of Craigie-
var, the office of Rector in the sd. College is now vaccant, did therefore,
according to the power granted to them by the Foundation, cause the whole
students of the College divide themselves into the four Nations of Mar,
Buchan, Murray, and Angus, and those of the Nation of Marr did choose Mr.
Laurence Selkirk, Tutor to Mr. Forbes of Eight his children, those of the
Nation of Buchan Mr. John Rose, student of Divinity, those of Murray Mr.
Alexander Irvine, student of Divinity, and those of Angus Mr. Robert Far-
quhar, student of Divinity, their Procurators ; who afterwards did nominate
and elect unanimously the Honourable Thomas Forbes, younger of Eight,
Rector, and Mr. Patrick Duff of Iden, Mr. William Gellie, late Bailie of
Aberdeen, the Reverend Mr. Colin Campbell, and Mr. John Oseburn, Ministers
of the Gospel in Aberdeen, Assessors. And the sd. Rector being at his house
in the countrey, the sd. Principal and Masters, together with Mr. John Ose-
burn, Minister of Aberdeen, did in the presence of the above named Procura-
tors unanimously nominate and choose Mr. Alexr. Thomson of Portlethen as
Dean of Faculty for the ensuing year and ordered that the election of the
above named Rector be forthwith notified to him." (First entry in new
Rectorial Minute Book : signed by the Principal, professors, procurators, and
RECTORS AND DEANS OF FACULTY. 15
Mr. Osborn [sic].) The Rector, Dean of Faculty, and Gellie, Campbell, and
Osborn accept office on 6th March.
1724. Thomas Forbes ; Alexander Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors: as last year. "Resolved" by the Principal and Masters, and
" intimated to all the students regularly concerned," who acquiesce. The
minute is not signed.
1725. Thomas Forbes ; Alexander Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors: John Moir, late baillie ; John Gordon, late Dean of Guild;
James Innes, minister at Banff, and William Abercromby, Minister at Skene.
The Masters quarrel and choose Professor McKail chairman instead of the
Principal, who dissents. A leet of gentlemen is submitted to the Procurators
" according to the former practice of the Colledge ". Rectorial Courts are
held on 23rd, 24th, 25th March, and yth April, to consider the disputes
between the Principal and Masters.
1726. Patrick Duff of Premnay ; Alexander Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : John Osborn, Minister of the Gospel ; Alexander Thomson,
Advocate ; John Moir, late Baillie, and Alexander Robertson, Merchant.
The Principal and Masters approve. Entries relative to a leet, or to subse-
quent confirmation, occur in the minutes down to the year 1822.
1727. Patrick Duff; Alexander Thomson, D. of F.
Minute of election in Charter Chest ("Rectors," 7). Assessors: as last
year, ist Sept., Rectorial Court anent appointment to Chair of Mathematics.
1728. Patrick Duff, Lord Rector; James Thomson of Portlethen,
D. of F.
Assessors : as last year. Rectorial Court on iyth June directs preparation
of an inventory of all papers in the charter chest.
1729. William Duff of Braco.
[Earl Fife, 1759.] D. of F. not recorded. Assessors : Alexander Thomson,
Alexander Robertson, Rev. John Bisset, John Milne, master of the Grammar
School.
1730-31 : no record.
1732. Sir Alexander Ramsay of Balmain l ; James Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors: Alexander Thomson, Rev. John Bisset, Rev. James Ogilvie, Dr.
James Donaldson.
1733-36 : no record.
T737- George Skeen of Skeen ; James Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Thomson, Alexander Ramsay, William Cruickshank,
late provost ; William Abercromby, minister at Skene. Many meetings of
Rectorial Court, 1737-38, anent case of Regent William Duff, infra. Hence-
forward no Rectorial Court is summoned till 1825.
1 See Vol. I., p. 414.
l6 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
1738. George Skeen ; James Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Thomson, Alexander Ramsay, William Cruickshank,
John Burnet, merchant [of Elrick].
1739. George Skene ; James Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Thomson, William Cruickshank, Alexander Robertson,
William Fordyce, bailie [of Achorties] .
1740. George Skene ; James Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Thomson, Alexander Robertson, James Morison,
merchant [aftds. of Elsick, lord prov.] ; James Catanach, advocate.
1741. George Skene ; James Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Thomson, Alexander Robertson, Lord provost ;
James Cata&ach, John Forbes of Alford.
1742. George Skene ; James Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Thomson, James Catanach, John Forbes, Sir Alex-
ander Forbes, bart.
1743. George Skene ; James Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1744. George Skene ; James Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1745. George Skene ; James Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Thomson, John Forbes, Sir Alexander Forbes, Alex-
ander Robertson, late provost.
1746-60: no record.
1761. Sir Arthur Forbes of Craigievar, fourth bart. ; John Stewart,
Professor of Mathematics, D. of F.1
Assessors : Rev. Thomas Forbes, minister of Aberdeen ; Dr. James Donald-
son, George Turner, advocate ; John Gordon of Craig, advocate.
1762. Sir Arthur Forbes ; Professor John Stewart, D. of F.
Assessors : Rev. Thomas Forbes, George Turner, John Gordon, John Dun-
can, late provost.
1763. Sir Arthur Forbes ; Professor John Stewart, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1764. John Gray ; Professor John Stewart, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year. Hitherto the Rector had lived in Aberdeen or its
vicinity. Mr. Gray was resident in London. In 1768 he founded two mathe-
matical bursaries. Vol. I., p. 440.
1765. John Gray ; Professor John Stewart, D. of F.
Assessors: as last year. Rector made LL.D.
1766. John Gray ; Professor John Stewart, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1 In despite of the prohibition of the Foundation Charter. Vol. I., p. 52.
RECTORS AND DEANS OF FACULTY. 17
1767. John Gray; Dr. David Skene, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1768. John Gray ; Dr. David Skene, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1769. John Gray ; Dr. David Skene, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1770. Alexander Fordyce of Colpna ; Dr. David Skene, D. of F.
Assessors : George Moir of Scotstown ; Patrick Wilson, Aberdeen ; Pro-
fessor William Thorn, King's College ; James Ligertwood of Tilleray.
1771. Alexander Fordyce ; Professor William Thorn, D. of F.
Assessors : George Moir, Patrick Wilson, James Ligertwood, William
Fraser of Fraserfield [Balgownie].
1772-81 : no record of elections.
" According to Dr. Hamilton, 1825, none took place, it being regarded as a
thing of no consequence." (Knight.)
1782. Cosmo Gordon of Cluny, one of the Barons of H.M. Exchequer
in Scotland ; George Moir of Scotstown, D. of F.
Assessors : Professor Alexander Gerard, King's College ; Dr. Thomas
Livingstone, Aberdeen ; Provost Shand, John Burnet of Crichie. For the
first time a notice of election in Aberdeen Journal of 4th March.
1783. Cosmo Gordon ; George Moir, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1784-85: no record.
" Dr. Hamilton thinks the same continued." (Knight.)
1786. Cosmo Gordon ; James Mercer, late major, D. of F.
Assessors : Provost William Cruden, George Moir of Scotstown, Andrew
Robertson of Foveran, Professor John Ross, King's College.
1787. Cosmo Gordon ; James Mercer, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1788. Francis Garden of Gardenstown, Senator of the College of
Justice ; George Moir of Scotstown, D. of F.
Assessors : Professor John Ross, Provost John Abercrombie, Dr. George
Skene, Aberdeen ; Rev. Duncan Shaw, Aberdeen. A portrait of the Rector
is preserved in the College.
1789. Francis Garden ; George Moir, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1790. Sir William Fordyce, Physician in London ; James Mercer,
D. of F.
Assessors : Dr. Alexander Bannerman of Kirkhill, John Dingwall of Rannie-
stone, Alexander Irvine of Drum, Baillie John Copland, merchant in Aberdeen.
Sir W. Fordyce bequeathed his medical library to the College, and founded
C
l8 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
the Lectureship on Agriculture. Vol. I., p. 452. A portrait, by Angelica
Kauffmann, and a bust are preserved in the College.
1791. Sir William Fordyce ; James Mercer, D. of F.
Assessors: as last year.
1792. Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo, 6th bart. ; Alexander Irvine of
Drum, D. of F.
Assessors : William Forbes Leith of Whitehaugh, George Auldjo of Port-
lethen, provost ; William Young [of Sheddocksley], late provost ; Rev.
Duncan Shaw.
1793. Sir William Forbes ; Alexander Irvine, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
J794- James Ferguson of Pitfour, M.P. for Aberdeenshire ; Alexander
Burnet of Strachan, sheriff-depute of Kincardineshire, D.
of F.
Assessors : John Burnet of Elric, Andrew Robertson of Foveran, John
Abercrombie, provost ; Rev. James Shernffs, Aberdeen.
I795- James Ferguson ; Alexander Burnet, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1796. Alexander Allardyce of Dunnotar, M.P. for this district of
boroughs ; Rev. Dr. George Campbell, late Principal, D.
of F.
Assessors : George Moir, provost ; Arthur Dingwall Fordyce of Culsh,
Robert Turner of Menie, Rev. Dr. George Gordon, Aberdeen.
1797. Alexander Allardyce ; Alexander Burnet of Strachan, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1798. Sir Alexander Ramsay Irvine of Balmain, bart. ; Alexander
Burnet, D. of F.
Assessors : Thomas Leys, provost ; Rev. Dr. John Glennie, minister of
Maryculture ; John Niven of Thorntown, Alexander Young, merchant, Aber-
deen. Sir A. R. Irvine was a benefactor. Vol. I., p. 473.
1799. Sir Alexander Ramsay Irvine ; Alexander Burnet, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1800. Sir William Forbes of Craigievar, 5th bart. ; William Forbes
Leith of Whitehaugh.
Assessors : John Dingwall [of Rannes and Ardo], provost ; John Burnet of
Elrick, John Forbes of Ladysford, Rev. John Rose, minister of Udny.
1801. Sir William Forbes ; William Forbes Leith, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1802. Alexander Baxter of Glassel ; Alexander Irvine of Drum, D.
of F.
RECTORS AND DEANS OF FACULTY. ig
Assessors : James Hadden, provost ; John Gordon of Craigmile, Andrew
Thomson of Banchory, John Douglass of Tilquhilly.
1803. Alexander Baxter ; Alexander Irvine, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year. Rector made LL.D.
1804. Alexander Baxter ; Sir Robert Burnet of Leys, 7th bart., D.
of F.
Assessors : John Gordon Gumming of Pitlurg, Peter Gordon of Abergeldie,
John Gordon of Nethermuir, John Dingwall of Ardo.
1805. Alexander Baxter ; Sir Robert Burnet, D. of F.
Assessors; John Gordon of Craigmile, John Burnet of Elrick, James
Urquhart of Meldrum, Thomas Leys of Glasgowforest.
1806. Alexander Baxter ; Sir Robert Burnet, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1807. Alexander Baxter ; Alexander Irvine, younger of Drum, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Brebner of Lairny, John Henderson of Caskieben,
John Forbes of Ladysford, Rev. James Ross, Aberdeen.
1808. Alexander Baxter ; Alexander Forbes Irvine of Shivas, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1808. June 17. Sir William Grant, Master of the Rolls.
On the death of Alexander Baxter. Elected by the Faculty, " without the
concurrence of the students ".
1809. Sir William Grant ; Alexander Forbes Irvine, D. of F.
Assessors : George Moir of Raeden, Rev. Dr. Shirreffs, Aberdeen ; Dr.
Calder of Paddington [bequeathed collection of coins to Mar. Coll.], Alex-
ander Mitchell.
1810. Sir William Grant ; Alexander Forbes Irvine, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1811. Sir William Grant ; Alexander Forbes Irvine, D. of F.
Assessors : Dr. Calder, James Hadden, Rev. John Rose, Aberdeen ; Dr.
• William Ruddiman, London. [M.D., 1791. See Vol. I., p. 459.]
1812. Sir William Grant ; Alexander Forbes Irvine. D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1813. Sir William Grant ; Alexander Forbes Irvine, D. of F.
Assessors : Dr. Calder, Dr. Wm. Ruddiman, James Young, provost ; Alex-
ander Mitchell, Stonehaven.
1814. Charles Forbes of Auchmedden, M.P. ; George Douglas, sheriff
depute of Kincardine, D. of F.
Assessors : Dr. Calder, Dr. Wm. Ruddiman, James Hadden, Rev. George
Forbes [of Blelack], Strathdon.
1815. Charles Forbes ; George Douglas, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
20 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
1816. Charles Forbes ; George Douglas, D. of F.
Assessors : Dr. Wm. Ruddiman, Rev. George Forbes, Alexander Fraser,
provost ; Sir Alexander Leith, younger of Freefield.
1817. Charles Forbes ; George Douglas, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
1818. Charles Forbes ; George Douglas, D. of F.
Assessors ; Dr. Wm. Ruddiman, Rev. George Forbes, Sir Alexander Leith,
K.C.B., Sir Robert Burnett, of Leys, bart.
1819. Sir George Abercromby, 4th bart., of Forglen and Birkenbog ;
Hugh Lumsden of Pitcaple, D. of F.
Assessors : Dr. William Ruddiman, Alexander Brebner of Lairney, provost ;
David McDowall Grant of Arndilly, Alexander Gordon of Newton.
1820. James, 4th Earl Fife ; Hugh Lumsden, D. of F.
Assessors : Dr. William Ruddiman, Alexander Brebner, David McDowall
Grant, Patrick Milne of Crimonmogate.
1821. James, Earl Fife ; Hugh Lumsden, D. of F.
Assessors : Dr. William Ruddiman, David McDowall Grant, Gavin Hadden,
provost ; Thomas Gordon of Park.
1822. Charles Forbes of Auchmedden ; Hugh Lumsden, D. of F.
Assessors: Dr. William Ruddiman, Gavin Hadden, Hugh Gordon of Manar,
Rev. Dr. George Forbes, Strathdon.
1823. James, Earl Fife ; Hugh Lumsden, D. of F.
Assessors : Dr. William Ruddiman, Hugh Gordon, Rev. Dr. George Forbes,
Alexander Brown, provost. In the minute for the first time are left out the
words, "which election the Principal and Professors did ratify and approve ".
The entry simply bears that the procurators elected Earl Fife, but, according
to Professor Knight, one of the nations, Mar (procurator, Alexander Hender-
son), chose Joseph Hume, M.P. The Rector gave £50 for prize books.
1824. Joseph Hume, M.P. ; Hugh Lumsden, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Brown, Thomas Gordon of Cairness, Alexander
Bannerman, Aberdeen ; Robert Abercromby, Aberdeen. Professors Davidson
and Hamilton protest. " Many letters abusing the College in the Aberdeen
Chronicle " (Knight). See Letter to the students of Marischal College on the sub-
ject of the approaching election, Aberd., 1824. Hume was M.D. of 1799.
1825. Joseph Hume, M.P. ; Hugh Lumsden, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year. On i4th November the Rector held a Court (the
first since 1738), summoned by public advertisement, to enquire into " irregu-
larities and abuses . . . in some departments of the College, prejudicial to the
interests of the students ". See Full and correct report of proceedings, Aberd.,
1825 ; Account of proceedings of committee of graduates, Aberd., 1826.
RECTORS AND DEANS OF FACULTY. 21
1826. Sir James McGrigor, M.D., Director General of the Army
Medical Department ; Alexander Thomson of Banchory,
D. of F.
Assessors: Thomas Gordon, Alexander Bannerman, Robert Abercrombie,
Major Andrew Leith Hay [aftds. K.H., M.P.]. Two nations, Buchan and Moray,
voted, through their procurators, for Sir James McGrigor, Mar for Joseph Hume,
Angus for Viscount Arbuthnot. The Rector held a court on 3ist July. See
Report of proceedings, Aberd., 1826 ; Northern Iris. Aberd., 1826, pp. 66, 181 ;
" The two great northern Universities " in Tait's Magazine for May, 1833.
1827. Sir James McGrigor; Duncan Davidson of Tillychetly, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Bannerman, Alexander Brown, lord provost ; John
Gordon of Craigmile, Alexander Crombie of Phesdo. Mar voted for Joseph
Hume. " The most tumultuous election, chiefly from a party of divinity
students. See the investigation, in the Minute Book, on two of them, John
and Daniel Mackenzie, who attempted to force their way violently into the
Hall before the election was over" (Knight). A portrait of Sir James
McGrigor by Dyce, subscribed for by the students of 1826-27, and now in the
possession of the University, is reproduced in this volume.
1828. Joseph Hume ; Duncan Davidson, D. of F.
Assessors: Alexander Bannerman, Alexander Brown, Thomas Bannerman,
merchant ; Major Leith Hay, younger of Rannes. Angus voted for Sir James
McGrigor. Portrait of Hume in possession of University.
1829. Duncan Davidson, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Bannerman, Thomas Gordon of Cairness, Thomas
Burnett, advocate, Aberdeen; John Thurburn of Murtle. No Rector. Mar
and Buchan voted for Sir James McGrigor, Angus and Moray for Joseph
Hume. There being no precedent or rule in the Charter, the whole case was
referred to the Commissioners of Visitation then sitting. (Evidence, Vol. IV.,
' pp. 298-301.) The Commissioners recommended a new election, but declined
to grant a warrant for holding this on any day other than March i. On the
advice of the Chancellor no new election was held. (Coll. Minutes, Sept. 7,
Nov. 7, Dec. 25.) The election proceedings of 1829 were verv disorderly.
" During nearly an hour amid great clamour and noises of various kinds,
short speeches were made by different students. ... An attempt was made
by a considerable number of the students to force their way into the hall
where the Senatus were sitting ; which attempt was repelled by the Professors."
(Minutes.} Hume claimed the right as Rector of the preceding year to have
a casting vote, which he proposed to give to his opponent, but the Senatus
unanimously disallowed this. See also Letters addressed to the students of
Marischal College, by Joseph Hume, M.P., Aberd., 1829.
1830. Sir Charles Forbes, bart. ; Duncan Davidson, D. of F.
Assessors: Gavin Hadden, lord provost; Charles Bannerman of Crimon-
22 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
mogate, Alexander Crombie of Phesdo, Basil Fisher of Devanha. Moray voted
for Sir Walter Scott.
1831. William, ijth Earl of Erroll ; Duncan Davidson, D. of F.
Assessors : Basil Fisher, James Hadden, lord provost ; Thomas Gordon of
Cairness, Thomas Burnett, advocate. " Election quiet. Hume's party
again bring forward Sir Walter Scott, in order to divide, but it was a failure,
not one nation voting for Joseph " (Knight). " Dec. 10, Dean of Faculty has
a duel with Anderson of Candacraig. Damage o " (Knight).
1832. Sir Michael Bruce of Stenhouse, bart. ; Duncan Davidson, D. of F.
Assessors: Basil Fisher, James Hadden, Alexander Bannerman, James
Blaikie, advocate, Aberdeen. Moray voted for Sir James Mclntosh [sic in
Rectorial Minutes, but McGrigor according to Knight]. " Hume not even pro-
posed as a candidate."
1833. Sir Charles Forbes of Newe and Edinglassie, bart. ; Duncan
Davidson, D. of F.
Assessors, by a majority: Gavin Hadden, lord provost ; Alexander Banner-
man, M.P. ; Rev. Dr. George Forbes of Blelack, Patrick Davidson, advocate,
Moray voted for Francis Jeffrey, lord advocate.
1834. Alexander Bannerman, M.P. ; James Blaikie, lord provost, D.
of F.
Assessors : James Blaikie, Thomas Bannerman, Dean of Guild ; Benjamin
Williamson, surgeon ; Robert Abercrombie, merchant. The procurators
claimed to be allowed to vote in the election of Dean of Faculty, but this was
disallowed. Professor Knight protested against the elections on this occasion
for reasons which are entered at length.
I&35- J°hn Abercrombie, M.D., Edinburgh; James Blaikie, D. of F.
Assessors: James Blaikie, Basil Fisher of Devanha, James Andrew Sandi-
lands of Cruives, Alexander Jopp, advocate. Mar voted for Alexander
Bannerman. Professor Knight again protests. Dr. Abercrombie's Rectorial
Address, delivered November 5, on The Culture and Discipline of the Mind,
has been frequently reprinted. "The noise very moderate. Next day he
gave a dinner to sixty in the Rooms, and afterwards £50 for prizes. On the
8th the Principal and professors accompanied him twice to the College Gallery
in the Greyfriars " (Knight). See Letter to the students of Marischal College on
the election of Lord Rector, Aberd., 1835. Dr. Abercrombie was M.A. of 1798.
1836. John Abercrombie ; James Blaikie, D. of F.
Assessors: James Blaikie, Alexander Webster, advocate; Middleton Rettie,
merchant ; James Harper, baillie.
John, Lord Lyndhurst ; Alexander Bannerman, M.P., D. of F.
Assessors: Hon. William Gordon, M.P. ; James Hadden of Persley, Major
General [the Hon.] Hugh Arbuthnott, M.P. ; Henry Lumsden of Tilwhilly.
Mar voted for John Abercrombie, M.D., and Moray for John C. Colquhoun of
Killermont.
RECTORS AND DEANS OF FACULTY. 23
1838. Henry, Lord Brougham and Vaux ; Alexander Bannerman, D.
of F.
Assessors : Alexander Crombie of Phesdo, LL.D. ; John Abercrombie, M.D. ;
John Gerard of Midstrath, Major Gumming Bruce of Roseisle. Buchan voted
for Lord Lyndhurst. and Moray for John C. Colquhoun. 108 students protest
and appeal to the Chancellor, who declines to interfere.
1839. John Campbell Colquhoun of Killermont ; Alexander Banner-
man, D. of F.
Assessors : Sir George Sinclair of Ulbster, James Hadden of Persley, Hon.
William Gordon, M.P. ; Hugh Lumsden of Pitcaple. The Rectorial address,
delivered November 27, was printed in Glasgow.
1840. Sir George Sinclair of Ulbster, bart. ; Alexander Bannerman,
D. of F.
Assessors: Hon. William Gordon, M.P. ; Sir William Seton of Pitmedden,
Hugh Lumsden of Pitcaple, Thomas Blaikie, lord provost.
1841. Sir James McGrigor, bart. ; Alexander Bannerman, D. of F.
Assessors : Thomas Blaikie, Alexander Ewing, M.D. ; Alexander Thomson
of Banchory, Sir Robert Abercromby of Forglen, 5th bart. Moray voted for
the Hon. Fox Maule.
1842. Sir John Herschel ; Alexander Bannerman, D. of F.
Assessors: George Dempster of Skibo, James Gordon of Craig, Hon.
William Gordon, M.P. ; Robert Simpson of Cobairdy. Mar voted for Sir Jas.
McGrigor, Moray for the Hon. Fox Maule. Angry protests against the action
of Professors Brown and Lizars, who, when the vote in the Angus Nation was
stated to be 17 to 16 in favour of the procurator representing Sir John Her-
schel, proffered their votes on the side of the minority, although it never was
" the custom for professors to vote at the Rectorial elections, the only excep-
tion being that of one professor who had given in his suffrage once or twice
several years ago ".
1843. John, 2nd Marquis of Breadalbane ; Alexander Bannerman,
D. of F.
Assessors : Lord Haddo, Sir William Seton, bart. ; Andrew Rutherfurd,
advocate ; Alexander Thomson of Banchory. Buchan voted for Sir James
McGrigor.
1844. Alexander Bannerman, D. of F.
Assessors : not mentioned, as the meeting " unanimously find there is no
election " of Rector. Mar and Angus voted for the Marquis of Breadalbane,
Buchan and Moray for the Marquis of Bute.
1845. Archibald Alison ; Alexander Bannerman, D. of F.
Assessors : John Farquharson of Haughton, Thomas Blaikie, lord provost ;
Thomas Abercrombie Duff of Haddo, William P. Alison, M.D., Edinburgh.
The Rector was made LL.D.
24 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
1846. Archibald Alison ; Alexander Bannerman, D. of F.
Assessors : John Farquharson, Thomas Blaikie, Alexander Thomson of
Banchory, Captain Fordyce of Brucklay.
1847. Alexander Bannerman, D. of F.
Assessors: as last year. No Rector elected, Mar and Buchan voting for
the Earl of Rosse, Angus and Moray for Thomas Babington Macaulay. The
meeting resolved to enquire whether the late Rector has a casting vote.
1848. Patrick Robertson, Lord Robertson ; Sir Michael Bruce, bart,
D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Thomson, George Thompson, lord provost ; Alexander
Forbes of Blackford, C. G. Robertson, sheriff substitute of Kincardine. The
Rector was made LL.D. The Rectorial address was printed at Aberdeen,
1848. See also " A chapter showing how Lord P became our rector," by
P. C. B[eaton] in Fraser's Magazine for July, 1863.
1849. John Thomson Gordon, sheriff depute of Edinburgh ; Sir
Michael Bruce, D. of F.
Assessors: Alexander Forbes, Lord James Hay, Alexander Dingwall For-
dyce, M.P. ; William Watson, sheriff-substitute of Aberdeen. Buchan voted
for Lord Robertson. Charles Dickens had been asked to allow himself to be
nominated, and his reply has been preserved.
" BRIGHTON, Tuesday Evening, zoth February, 1849.
" SIR, — I beg to assure you that I am very sensible of the feeling which has
induced you to propose me as a candidate for the Lord Rectorship of your
College, and that I feel much beholden to you for that mark of your regard
and consideration.
" But, in reply to your note in which you do me the favour to ask my con-
sent to this nomination, I am constrained to say, without any reservation
whatever, that I do not aspire to the high honour in question, and that I must
entreat you to withdraw my name at my express desire. I take the earliest
opportunity in my power of making this communication to you ; but my
absence from town for a week past, and my absence from this place during
this day, have combined to prevent my answering your letter sooner. It was
forwarded here this morning. I am, Sir, yours faithfully and obliged,
" CHARLES DICKENS."
The Rectorial Address, delivered 23rd March, was printed at Aberdeen in
1849, as also an Address, delivered 8th November, at the opening of session
1849-50.
1850. John Thomson Gordon ; Sir Michael Bruce, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Forbes, Alexander Dingwall Fordyce, William
Watson, George Thompson, lord provost. Thomas Carlyle had been asked to
allow himself to be nominated. His characteristic reply has been preserved.
RECTORS AND DEANS OF FACULTY. 25
" 5 CHEYNE Row, CHELSEA,
" LONDON, 22 febv, 1850.
" GENTLEMEN, — Your announcement very much surprised me, not surely in
an unpleasant way, and I beg in the meantime to thank you very cordially,
you and my other young Friends in Aberdeen, for the honour you are doing
me. The election to a merely formal office, I suppose, may go in this way or
that, without momentous consequences ; but the fact that ingenuous young
souls in your University, in poor old Scotland far away, are loyally disposed
to me, and willing to testify that feeling by such methods as they have — this
is already a possession, of a valuable and to me almost of an affecting
nature, which I shall not have to part with. With the election itself I must
not in the least interfere, for or against. In respect of personally visiting
Aberdeen, too, I am constrained to say that travelling is at all times very un-
towardly to me, and that at present there are some special causes rather de-
taining me here ; — on the whole, that if there be no real duty, but only a formal
or ceremonial one, to be done in Aberdeen, I had much better not come, but
that if there do appear some real fraction of duty to be done, in the event
of my election, I will certainly make an effort to come. More I cannot say at
present. And so with many thanks and kind regards, I remain, Gentlemen,
your most obed*
"T. CARLYLE.
" To Messrs. Thomson & Harper, Divinity Students, etc."
Fifteen years later Carlyle was elected Rector of his own university of Edin-
burgh.
1851. Archibald, I3th Earl of Eglinton ; Sir Michael Bruce, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Forbes, John Cowan, sheriff of Kincardine ; George
Henry, lord provost ; Alexander Currie, sheriff of Banff. The Rectorial
Address, delivered 23rd March, was printed at Aberdeen, 1851. Tennyson
had been asked to allow himself to be nominated, but declined.
1852. Archibald, Earl of Eglinton ; Alexander Thomson of Banchory,
D. of F.
Assessors: George Henry, Alexander Currie, William Watson, Sir Michael
Bruce, bart. Lord Eglinton was chosen Rector of Glasgow University in the
same year.
1853. George, 7th Earl of Carlisle ; Alexander Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors: George Henry, William Watson, George Thompson, M.P. ; Sir
James Carnegie of Southesk, 6th bart. The Rector was made LL.D., 3Oth
March. The Rectorial Address, delivered 3ist March, was printed at Aber-
deen, 1853.
1854. Colonel W. H. Sykes, M.P. ; Alexander Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : Alexander Innes of Cowie, Thomas Blaikie, lord provost ; Archi-
bald Davidson, sheriff depute of Aberdeen ; Robert Grant of Tillyfour. Moray
26 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
voted for the Earl of Carlisle. The Rectorial Address, delivered 3oth March,
was printed at Aberdeen, 1854.
1855. Austin Henry Layard, M.P. ; Alexander Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : Thomas Blaikie, Sir John Ogilvy, bart, of Baldovan, Alexander
Innes of Cowie, Sir James Carnegie. Angus voted for Colonel Sykes.
1856. Austin Henry Layard ; Sir John Forbes, physician to the
Queen's household, D. of F.
Assessors : Sir Thomas Blaikie, Sir John Ogilvy, William Stirling of Keir,
M.P. ; Provost Gray of Peterhead. The Rector was made LL.D. on 2ist
March.
1857. Sir John Forbes, D. of F.
Assessors : Sir John Ogilvie, William Stirling, John Webster, lord provost ;
Alexander Kilgour, M.D., Aberdeen. No Rector elected, Mar and Buchan
voting for A. H. Layard, Angus and Moray for James, 8th Earl of Elgin.
1858. Philip, 5th Earl Stanhope ; Alexander Thomson, D. of F.
Assessors : William Stirling, John Webster, Alexander Kilgour, James
Dyce Nicol of Ballogie. Moray voted for M. E. Grant Duff, younger of Eden
(Rector of Aberdeen University, 1866-72). Alexander Thomson was elected
by a majority of ten votes to four for Alexander Henderson of Caskieben
[founded chair of Med. Jurispr. 1857]. The Rectorial Address, delivered 25th
March, was printed at Aberdeen, 1858.
1859. David, 7th Earl of Airlie ; Sir Thomas Blaikie, D. of F.
Assessors : John Webster, Alexander Kilgour, James- Dyce Nicol, Rev.
James Fraser, Aberdeen. Thackeray and Carlyle were nominated for the
Rectorship. At the election for D. of F., Alexander Thomson was proposed,
and being present claimed a right not only to vote for himself, but to act as
chairman of the meeting, and to declare himself elected. This claim was
afterwards withdrawn. The Rectorial Address, delivered i7th March, was
printed at Aberdeen, 1859.
1860. David, Earl of Airlie ; Alexander Stronach, advocate, D. of F.
Assessors : as last year.
PRINCIPALS.1
1593. Robert Howie.
One of the ministers of Aberdeen. Witnesses the Foundation Charter
(Vol. I., p. 59), and is Principal in the same year (p. 92). Had studied at
King's College, at Herborn, and at Basel. Translated to be minister of Dundee,
1598; Principal of St. Mary's College, St. Andrews, 1607; Commissioner for
visiting the Universities of Aberdeen, 1619; demitted St. And. Principalship,
1639. Author of De aeterna Dei praedestinatione, Basil, 1591 ; also (according to
Cat. of Scot. Writ.} of De reconciliatione hominis cum Deo ; De conjunctions fidelium
cum Christo ; De justificatione hominis coram Deo. Arms on old heraldic ceiling
(Vol. I., p. 118): Or, a chevron azure between three owlets sable. (Scott's
Fasti; Wodrow's Biog. Coll., ed. Lippe ; Gordon's MS. Coll.; Aberd. Town
Council Reg.)
1598. Gilbert Gray.
M.A. Edin., 1592. Had also studied at King's College, and at Heidelberg.
Died 1614 ; buried 2gth December. " An oratio funebris is pronounced upon
Mr Gilbert Gray late Principal of the Marischal College, anno 1615 by one of
his schollars, when he was receiving the laurea magisterialis. See this ora-
tion in manuscript. [Not now extant.] From it he appears to have been
born in Aberdeen, connected by father and mother with the best burghers of
the town : Alexander Rutherford, provost, his mother's brother ; Alexander
Cullen, provost, Mr Alexander Cullen his son, Paul Menzies, Walter Menzies,
Thomas Forbes, and William Gray, being all his sister and brother bairns. . . .
He was remarkably diligent and besides keeping his hours strictly, he fre-
quently gave public lectures, where students of divinity and physic, as well as
the other masters attended. The author . . . commends in highflown terms
his diligence in teaching, his modesty, his wisdom, his acuteness in disputa-
tion and above all his religious turn of mind " (Gordon). Author of Oratio
funebris in memoriam Duncani Liddellii, Edin., 1614 ; Oratio de illustribus
Scotiae scriptoribus, Abred., 1623 (reprinted by Mackenzie). Arms on old ceil-
ing : Gules, a lion rampant within a bordure engrailed or. (Diet. Nat. Biog.
New Spald. Club Misc., I.)
1 For duties and method of election, see Vol. I., p. 42.
(27)
28 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
1616. Andrew Aedie.
On Gray's death, the Town Council suggested two names to the Earl
Marischal, Patrick Sands (then a regent in Edinburgh), and Alexander Home ;
and the former was nominated (Vol. I., pp. 167-8), but apparently did not
accept, as Aedie is styled Principal on i5th March, 1616, " recommended by
the King to the Earl Marshal " (Gordon). Demitted office 1619. Author of
Pastoria in decem distributa eclogas, Dantisc., 1610 ; Tractatus de noctuambulonum
ingenio, Dantisc., 1612 ; Clavis philosophiae moralis, Oppenh., 1614. Arms on
old ceiling : Argent, a mullet between three cross-crosslets fitchee gules.
(Irving's Lives. Gordon's MS.)
1620. William Forbes.
D.D., St. And., and one of the ministers of Aberdeen (Vol. I., pp. 186-7).
Mr. Andrew Ramsay, minister at Edinburgh, was " socht " by the Earl Maris-
chal, but his " transplantatioun was altogidder refuissit". Forbes had been
a regent, infra. He demitted office in 1621, was Rector in 1632, and in 1634
became first bishop of Edinburgh. Author of Considerations modestae, various
edns. Portrait by Jamesone in possession of University, reproduced in Wod-
row's Biog. Coll., ed. Lippe. Arms on old ceiling : Azure, three bear's heads
couped argent. (Diet. Nat. Biog.)
1621. Patrick Dun.
M.D., Basil. (Kennedy); "a verie famous professor in Germanic" (Bulk of
Reg.). Previously regent, infra, rector, supra ; and mediciner at King's Coll.
(Off. and Grad., p. 35). A native of Aberdeen (son of umquhile Andrew Dun,
burgess), Dun was the first lay principal. A benefactor of the College (Vol.
I., p. 231, where his arms, from the ceiling, are given). Died circa 1649.
Author of Themata medica de dolore colico, Basil., 1607 ; and editor of Duncan
Liddell's Ars conservandi sanitatem, Aberd., 1651. Portrait by Jamesone in
possession of Grammar School, reproduced in.Vol. I. (Strachan's Panegyricus ;
Smith's Oratio ; Gordon's MS.)
1649. William Moir.
Previously professor of Mathematics, infra, which post he was allowed to
retain with the principalship, 2oth June, 1649 (T. C. Reg., liii., 222). Resigned
both offices in 1661. u He wrote on Geometry and the mechanical part ot
Mathematicks " (Cat. of Scot. Writ.). Portrait in possession of University.
Arms on ceiling : Azure, three moor's heads couped proper.
1661. James Leslie.
Bajan, 1636. M.D. " After his travells in France and the Low Countries,
he came home to Abd., and wes called to be physitian to the toune be the
Counsell thereof" (Bulk of Reg.). Author of CO 'Ao-rrjp 'OpOpivbs 'An-oXd/infi,
Aberd., 1661. Arms on ceiling : Argent, on a fess between a mullet in chief and
a tulip in base vert, three buckles of the field [?]. (Family of Leslie, III., 409.)
1678, Nov. 21. Robert Paterson.
Previously regent and librarian, infra. The latter office, then the best paid
PRINCIPALS. 2g
in the College, he continued to hold (Vol. I., p. 204). His nomination by the
Earl Marischal to the principalship, vacant " throw Master James Leslie his
removall from the said charge," is the first entry in the Register of Presenta-
tions. Children : Mr. David, Robert, Elisabeth, Margrat, Agnes, Mary,
Issobell, Cathren. (Poll Book.) Erected heraldic ceiling (Vol. I., p. 118),
in which his own arms appear as : Argent, three pelicans in their piety
proper; on a chief azure as many mullets of the field; a mitre azure for
difference. Died 1717. Portrait in possession of University.
1717, Sept. 30. Thomas Blackwell.
D.D. Previously professor of Divinity, infra, and minister of Grey Friars
Church, Aberdeen, which offices he retained, being the only professor
not ejected by the Commission of Visitation. His appointment to the
principalship was the first nomination by the Crown, the Earl Marischal
forfeiting his rights of patronage with his title. Died 1728. Author of Ratio
sacra, Edin., 1710; Schema sacrum, Edin., 1710; Forma sacra, Bost., 1774;
Methodus evangelica, Lond., 1712. Portrait in possession of Incorporated
Trades, Aberdeen, of which body he was fifth Patron. (Diet. Nat. Biog.)
1728, June 8. John Osborn.
M.A., 1708 ; D.D. One of the ministers of Aberdeen. He retained both
offices till his death on igth Aug., 1748. Portrait by Alexander in possession
of Incorporated Trades, Aberdeen, of which body he was sixth Patron. (Reg.
of Pres. ; Scott's Fasti.)
1748, Nov. 9. Thomas Blackwell, the younger.
M.A., 1718; LL.D., King's Coll., 1752. Previously Professor of Greek,
infra, which office he retained. The magistrates had recommended Professor
Robert Pollock to the Crown (T. C. Reg., Ixi., 234, 350). " Principal Black-
well brought on a consumptive habit by great abstemiousness and died at
Edinburgh on his way to London, 8th March, 1757, in his 56th year. . . . His
religious opinions were said to be inclined to heretical. . . . His nickname
among the students ' Ratio profana ' " (Knight). His widow was a benefactor
(Vol. I., p. 461). Author of Enquiry into life and writings of Homer, Lond., 1735,
etc.; Proofs of ditto, Lond., 1747; Letters concerning Mythology, Lond., 1748;
Memoirs of the court of Augustus, Edin., 1758-63, etc. (Diet. Nat. Biog.; Camp-
bell Eraser's Berkeley, Vol. IV.)
1757, April 19. Robert Pollock.
D.D., 1753. Previously Professor of Divinity, infra, and minister of Grey
Friars, which offices he retained. Died 1759. Had married, 1747, Elizabeth,
daughter of Provost Alex. Robertson of Glasgowego. Portraits of himself and
his wife in possession of University.
1759, Aug. 14. George Campbell.
M.A., 1738; D.D., King's Coll., 1764. One of the ministers of Aberdeen,
which office he retained until 1771, when he was appointed Professor of
Divinity and minister of Grey Friars. Demitted the chair 2nd June, 1795, and
the Principalship i8th Jan., 1796; died 6th Apr., 1796. Had married Grace
30 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
Farquharson : no issue. His works are well known. Portrait by Arch.
Robertson, in possession of the Incorporated Trades (of which body he
was tenth Patron), reproduced in the great window, Mitchell Hall, Mar. Coll.,
and in this volume. Copy by Sir George Reid in possession of University.
(Diet. Nat. Biog.)
1796, Jan. 26. William Laurence Brown.
M.A., St. And., 1772 ; D.D., St. And., and Utrecht. Had been appointed to the
chair of Divinity and the Grey Friars charge by the Town Council, I5th June,
I795 (T. C. Reg-) Ixvii., 70). Previously Professor of Moral Philosophy and
the Law of Nations at Utrecht, where he had been a student. Died nth
May, 1830. Married his uncle's daughter, Anne Elizabeth Brown, 2gth
May, 1756, with issue, William Robert, Laurence George, Catherine Mary
Ann, Johanna Elizabeth (called Janet), Robert James (afterwards Prof, of
Greek), Ann Elizabeth (called Nancy), John Moore, Helen Jane, George Gil-
bert (M.D., 1825). His numerous writings have been frequently catalogued.
(Diet. Nat. Biog. MS. Widow's Fund Reg.)
1832, Apr. 12. Daniel Dewar.
M.A., Edin., 1815 ; LL.D., Glasg., 1815. Previously Professor of Moral
Philosophy at King's Coll. (Off. and Grad., p. 65), and Minister of Grey Friars,
Aberdeen, and of Tron Church, Glasgow. The Senatus had petitioned the
Crown in favour of Professor Glennie, and unanimously expressed dis-
approval of Dr. Dewar's appointment. Prof, of Church History, 1833, infra.
Demitted office on the union of the Universities in 1860. Died 28th May,
1867. Had married, i7th Oct., 1821, Susan Place, with issue, Ann Gordon
(m. John McCunn), Catherine Mary (m. Prof. James Clerk Maxwell), Susan
Place, Edward Place, William Gordon, Donald, John. Author of sundry
theological works. (Bruce's Aberdeen Pulpit ; Widow's Fund MS. Reg.)
REGENTS.1
1 6 ? Patrick Gray.
Not in Kennedy's list. Signs assedations to James Menzies, 4th Sept., 1601 ;
and to Alexander Molleson, i4th September, 1601. (Bulk of Reg.}'2 Brother
of Principal Gilbert Gray. (Dedication to Theses of 1673, infra.)
1602. 3 William Forbes.
Not in Kennedy's list. Stated in Sydserf's Life to have been appointed Pro-
fessor of Logic (i.e., teacher of the Semi class) soon after his graduation in
1601, and to have taught for four sessions. Mentioned in Aberdeen Presbytery
Records, ist November, 1605 ; and in Principal Gilbert Gray's Rental of 1606.
(Vol. I., p. 107.) Afterwards Principal, p. 28.
1603. Thomas Reid.
Not in Kennedy's list. Demits office of teacher in Grammar School on
appointment as Regent, i2th October, 1603. (T. C. Rtg., xli., 415.) After-
wards Secretary "for the Latine tongue " to James VI., and a benefactor to
the College Library. (Vol. I., p. 194.) Portrait in possession of the University
is reproduced in Vol. I., and in the great window, Mitchell Hall, Mar. Coll.
A detailed list of Reid's writings will be found in the present editor's notice
in Diet. Nat. Biog. See also Scottish N. and Q., IX., 145, 161.
1 Three in number by the Foundation Charter (Vol. I., p. 42) ; a fourth was added in
1620, when the Principal ceased to teach the highest class (p. 186). Originally the regents
were professors in the modern sense (p. 64), but this system was abandoned about 1642. (Cf.
Off. and Grad., p. 315.) It was, however, resumed in 1753, infra. No record of presentation
to regencies is extant before 1679 : the earlier names have been collected from various sources,
and the list is obviously imperfect. Kennedy gives 29 regents, "with the dates of their
several admissions," from 1593 to 1676, but at least 25 of his 29 dates are wrong ! A table
showing the sequence of teaching is attempted in the Appendix.
'2 When a name is stated to appear anywhere, what is implied is that it is mentioned as
being that of a Regent.
3 " [Andrew] Young, having graduated in Edinburgh, had gone to serve as regent in
Marischal College, which was always a good School of Mathematics. . . . He came back
to Edinburgh as regent in 1601." Sir Alexander Grant (Story of the Univ. of Edinb., II.,
293), quoting from Professor Chrystal's Inaugural Address. Dr. Chrystal writes that he can-
not recall his authority for this statement. " Marischal " is probably a slip for " King's ".
(Cf. Off. and Grad., p. 53.)
(31)
32 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
16 ? Andrew Keith.
Not in Kennedy's list. Mentioned in Reg. Priv. Coun., Vol. VII., p. 677,
loth June, 1607.
16 ? Patrick Dun.
Not in Kennedy's list. Mentioned, 1610, as Professor of Logic in MS. C2
3. 70, University Library. Probably succeeded Forbes in his chair, as he
afterwards (1621) did in the Principalship, p. 28.
16 ? William Gray.
Not in Kennedy's list. Signs assedation to John Leslie, i3th November,
1613. (Bulk of Reg.) Bajan, 1605.
16 ? Peter Blackburn.
Mentioned in T. C. Reg., xlvii., 487, 15th March, 1616, together with John
Ross and Adam Reid. Kennedy gives Peter Blackburn, John Row, and David
Reid as regents in 1593. This is manifestly a group of blunders. (C/.
Kennedy's MS. Index to the T. C. Reg., s.v. " College ".) Peter Blackburn,
afterwards Bishop of Aberdeen, signs the Foundation Charter as a witness
in 1593, and is Dean of Faculty in 1598, p. 10, but there is no proof that
he acted as Regent. He died i4th June, 1616. Author (ace. to Scott's Fasti)
of a Treatise against James Gordon the Jesuit. The Regent of 1616 seems to
have been his son (Spald. Club Misc., Vol. V., p. 140; and Retours of Services
of Heirs, ijth July, 1616), who appears as a Semi of 1605, and died in 1619.
(Retours, 3oth November, 1619.)
16 ? Adam Reid.
Ut supra. Given by Kennedy under 1619, in which year he was promoted
from a regency to be Minister of Methlic. He was younger brother of Secre-
tary Reid above mentioned. (Scott's Fasti.) Bajan, 1609.
16 ? John Ross.
Ut supra; and signs appointment of a Liddell Bursar, 3rd June, 1616.
(Bulk of Reg.) Semi, 1605.
1616. John Gordon.
Not in Kennedy's list. Must have succeeded Blackburn, as (together with
John Ross and Adam Reid) he signs assedation to Patrick Symmers, December,
1616. See also letter from the laird of Drum. (Mar. Coll. Ch. Ch., " Bursaries,"
XXIII. , i.) Mentioned (with Reid) in precept of warning against Menzies,
3rd April, 1617 ; and (with Reid and Massie) in decreet against Menzies, 2gth
June, 1619. (Mar. Coll. Ch. Ch. Mass II., Nos. 42, 47.) Bajan, 1609.
16 ? George Chalmers.
" Mr. George Chalmers, Minister at Dumbennan, burges of this burght, and
sumtyme one of the Ministers thairof and regent in the said College." (T. C.
Reg., xlix., 418, 27th October, 1619.) Kennedy, misinterpreting this entry,
gives George Chalmers as regent in 1619. It is remarkable that no such name
occurs in the list of incumbents of Aberdeen charges given in Scott's Fasti.
(Cf. P. H. Chalmers' Mem. of Information.)
REGENTS. 33
16 ? Andrew Massie.
Given by Kennedy as admitted in 1623, Du* is mentioned in decreet against
Menzies, 1619. Signs as " Logicae Professor" (i.e., teacher, of the Semi
class), two Epitaphs in the Lachrymae sub Obitum Georgii Comitis Mariscalli,
Abred., 1623 5 and 6th April, 1626 (together with Ogston, Sibbald, and
Wedderburn), an assedation to David Anderson. (Bulk of Reg.) Andrew
Massie is named as Oeconomus in a Burgh Court Decree of igth February,
1622. By the Foundation Charter the Oeconomus was an official distinct
from the Regents. James Forbes of Tulliboy was appointed first Oeconomus,
i8th June, 1593. (T. C. Reg., xxxiv., 854.) Massie and Sibbald are made
burgesses, '"ex gratia," 25th Oct., 1623. (New Spald. Ct. Misc., I.) Bajan, 1610.
1619. William Ogston.
Not in Kennedy's list. Appointed in 1619, as in 1626, when he is
transferred to the Semi class, it is stated that he has taught the Tertians
" thir sewin yeeris bygane ". In the latter year (apparently succeeding
Andrew Massie), he received a presentation to the Logic professor-
ship, " the key of the whole College and the courss throf verie
long and thairfoir requyring ane learned diligent and cairfull maister
to teach the same . . . quhairin if he should be found to be deficient and
after due admoni°nis not amending then and in that caice the said Mr.
William to be bound ... to demit the said second class absolutelie and to
tak him to the third class". (Min. of Admission, 25th October, 1626. Mar.
Coll. Ch. Ch. " Professorships," No. i.) Designated " Philosophiae Moralis
Professor" (i.e., teacher of the Tertian class) on the title-page of his Oratio
Funebris in Obitum Georgii Mariscalli Comitis, Abred., 1623 ; and 6th April,
1626, signs the assedation to David Anderson. Promoted to be minister of
Hailes, 1635. (Hist, of Ogston Families.} Semi, 1605. D.D.
1620. James Sibbald.
M.A., 1618. Signs as " Philosophiae Naturalis Professor," an Epitaph in the
Lachrymae, also the assedation to David Anderson, 1626. The Professor of
Natural Philosophy taught the Magistrand class, and Sibbald was the first
holder of the office of fourth regent, instituted ist March, 1620, when the newly
appointed Principal, William Forbes, was relieved from the duty of teaching.
Kennedy gives 1619 as the date of Sibbald's appointment, but this is certainly
wrong. Graduation theses maintained under his presidency are extant for the
years 1623 (Abd. Univ. Libr.), 1625 (Bodl.), 1626 (Bodl.). In the lasfof these
years he was appointed one of the Ministers of Aberdeen. B.D., King's Coll.,
1627 ; D.D., 1628. Sibbald was one of the " Aberdeen Doctors". In addition
to his graduation theses, he contributed a Sermon to Forbes' Funerals and
wrote Diverse Select Sermons, printed posthumously at Aberdeen in 1658.
(Scott's Fasti ; Forbes' Funerals, ed. 1845.)
16 ? William Wedderburn.
Signs as " Graecarum Literarum Professor" (i.e., teacher of the Bajan
E
34 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
class), verses in the Lachrymal and the Theses of 1623 ; also the assedation
to David Anderson, 1626. Promoted from a regency to be Minister of Bethelny,
not later than 1633. (Scott's Fasti.) He was brother of David Wedderburn,
the Rector of the Grammar School (Abd. and Bff. Coll., p. 60), and
Alexander Wedderburn.
1626. John Seton.
M.A., 1616. Succeeded Sibbald in 1626 (Kennedy says 1636) as Professor of
Natural Philosophy. As such, signs (together with Gordon, Aidie, and Ray) a
Rectorial minute, i4th April, 1632 (Mar. Coll. Ch. Ch. " Rectors," 2); and (with
the same three) is mentioned in a summons raised by Sir A. Irvine of Drum, 1633.
Graduation theses maintained under his presidency are extant for the years
1627 (Bodl.), 1630 (Bodl.), 1631 (Abd.), 1634 (Bodl.), 1637 (Bodl.). Promoted
from a regency to be Minister of Kemnay, not later than 1641. (Scott's
Fasti.)
16 ? Hugh Gordon.
M.A., 1623. Not in Kennedy's list. Writes assedation to A. Burnet, i2th July,
1630. (Bulk of Reg.) Signs as Professor of Logic the Rectorial minute, and is
mentioned in summons ut supra. See also Diary of Alexander J affray, p. 15.
163 ? William Aidie.
M. A., 1625. Not in Kennedy's list. Succeeded Wedderburn. Signs as Professor
of Greek the Rectorial minute ; also two Epitaphs in the Lachrymae in Obitum
Wilhelmi Comitis Marischalli, Abred., 1635. Appears as witness to a Sasine
in 1644. (Burgh Reg. of Sasines.)
163 ? John Ray.
M.A., 1625. Given by Kennedy under year 1641; but signs as Professor of Moral
Philosophy (i.e., teacher of the tertian class), the Rectorial minute ; also an Epi-
taph in the second Lachrymae, 1635 ; and a discharge of College accounts, ist
November, 1648. The Graduation theses of 1643, maintained under his presi-
dency, are extant in the University Library ; so that ere then the system of
specialist professors must have been abandoned, and that of circulating regents
introduced. Editor of Cicero's Epistolarum libri IV., Abred., 1630, 1665. " He
made an excellent funeral Oration on King Charles the Martyr." (Cat. Scot.
Writ. Spald., II., 142.)
163 ? William Blackhall.
M.A., 1631. Not in Kennedy's list. Signs as Professor of Logic an Epitaph
in the second Lachrymae, 1635. Evidently succeeded Hugh Gordon. Deposed
as a Catholic, 1642. (Spald., II., 102. Gordon's Scots Aff., III., 129.)
1 6 ? James Hay.
Given by Kennedy under year 1636. But Aidie, Blackhall, Ray, and Seton
were then still in office. Tertian, 1618 [?].
16 ? John Menzies.
Promoted from a regency to the chair of Divinity, infra, and the second
REGENTS. 35
ministerial charge in Aberdeen, 1649, and to the incumbency of Greyfriars
Church in the following year. Kennedy gives his name under the year 1633,
but this cannot be correct, as in 1635-37 tne f°ur regencies were undoubtedly
held by Aidie, Blackball, Ray, and Seton. (Scott's Fasti.) Bajan, 1638 [?].
16 ? Andrew Youngson.
Given by Kennedy as admitted in 1645, but this is certainly wrong, for on
4th Oct., 1644, " Mr. Andrew Youngson, formerly a Regent in the Mar. Coll.,"
is elected a Regent at King's College. (Off. and Grad., p. 56.) He " afterwards
became a Papist and Jesuit, and a Professor at Madrid ". (Knight.) He
must have succeeded either Blackball or Seton. " He wrote De Predestina-
tione." (Cat. Scot. Writ.} Bajan, 1635.
164 ? Patrick Sandilands.
M.A., King's Coll., 1643. Given by Kennedy as admitted in 1646, but the date is
almost certainly wrong, for on 24th June of that year he is transferred to the
Regency in King's College, vacated by Youngson. (Off. and Grad.} Afterwards
Sub-Principal there : Theses of 1660 (Bodl.). (Morgan's Woodside, p. 159.)
164 ? Robert Forbes.
M.A., King's Coll., 1643. Given by Kennedy as admitted in 1656; but signs dis-
charges of College accounts (together with John Ray, Robert Burnet, and James
Chalmers), ist November, 1648 ; and is mentioned in Bulk of Reg. as having
charge of Bajan class of 1648-49. His name appears (with those of Andrew
Cant, Alexander Whyte, and George Meldrum) in sundry charters granted by
the Caroline University, 1655-58; and (with William Meldrum, George Banner-
man, and Thomas Paterson) he signs a tack to Marjory Jameson, 26th June,
1663. (Mar. Coll. Ch. Ch. Mass. XII., 69.) He is named (with the same three)
in a decreet against Mitchell, 2nd Feb., 1664. On 24th October of that year he
appears as a Regent at King's College, and is subsequently Canonist there. (Off.
and Grad., p. 57.) Mar. Coll. Theses, 1656 (Bodl.), 1660 (Abel.) ; King's Coll.
Theses, 1680, 1684. " He wrote a Logick Course of Philosophy." (Cat. Scot.
Writ.)
164 ? Robert Burnet.
Not in Kennedy's list. Signs College accounts, 1648, ut supra. "Continovit
comoun procurator to Lambes 1650." Bajan, 1637.
164 ? James Chalmers.
M.A., King's Coll., 1645. Not in Kennedy's list. Signs College accounts,
1648, ut supra. This is the James Chalmers stated in Scott's Fasti (III., 508)
to have been promoted in 1651 from a Regency in King's College to be
Minister of New Machar. No such name occurs in the list of Regents of
King's College. (Off. and Grad., p. 56.)
164 ? Andrew Cant.
Given by Kennedy as admitted in 1655 ; but is mentioned in the BuikofReg.
as having charge of the Magistrand class in 1649-50 ; and in charters of 1651-
58. Theses for 1654 (Bodl.), and 1658 (Abd.). " He wrote a Physical Course
of Philosophy, also De libero arbitrio." (Cat. Scot. Writ.) Promoted from a
36 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
regency to be Minister of Liberton in 1659 (Scott's Fasti), and Principal of the
University of Edinburgh in 1675 (Grant's Story). This was the son of the
famous Andrew. He matriculated at Marischal College in 1640, infra. Joseph
Robertson says of him (Deliciae Literariae, p. 25) : " He lived to become a non-
juring bishop ". But the bishop was a third Andrew, son of the Regent's brother,
Alexander. (Grub's Eccl Hist., III., 387.)
16 ? Andrew Birnie.
Not in Kennedy's list. Signs feu charter to Walter Robertson, May, 1651 ;
and an entry in T. C. Reg., Hi., 372, 2nd February, 1653. Named in Accounts
of 1652-53. Bajan, 1645.
165 ? Alexander White.
Given by Kennedy as admitted in 1655 ; but signs Charter to Walter Robert-
son, 1651, and entry in T. C. Reg., 1653 ; also sundry charters of 1655-58; and
a list of books added in 1662 (Buik of Reg.). Theses for 1657 (Bodl.). (Geneal.
Acct. of James Young, p. 192.) Bajan, 1646.
165 ? George Meldrum.
Succeeded Birnie. Signs charters in 1655-58. Theses for 1659 (Abd.). In
that year he was promoted to be Minister of the second charge in Aberdeen.
(Scott's Fasti.) Rector of Mar. Coll., p. 12. Professor of Divinity in the
University of Edinburgh. (Grant's Story.) He published numerous Letters
and Sermons in Edinburgh. Bajan, 1647.
16 ? John White [?] .
Given by Kennedy under year 1660.
1660. William Meldrum.
M.A., 1654. Appears as Common Procurator in 1660. Signs list of books,
1662, and tack to Marjory Jameson, 1663. Named in decreet against
Mitchell, 1664. Present at Rectorial Election, March, 1665. Promoted from
a regency to be Minister of Auchterless, not later than 1671. (Scott's Fasti.)
160 ? George Bannerman.
M.A., King's Coll., 1659. Not in Kennedy's list. Named in Accounts, 1661.
Present at Rectorial Election, March, 1665. A George Bennean is (with W.
Paterson, A. Alexander, and R. Bruce) present at election of a bibliothecar on
5th March, 1667. (Copy of Min., in Burgh Ch. Ch., "College," C2. 7.) The
name is probably a slip for Bannerman.
166 ? Thomas Paterson.
M.A., 1658. Not in Kennedy's list. Signs tack to Marjory Jameson.
Named in decreet against Mitchell.
1663. Patrick Strachan.
Not in Kennedy's list. Presented to a regency in 1663, in succession to
Robert Forbes, who nevertheless appears as a regent in 1664. Signs demission
of office, i6th November, 1665, all differences between him and Principal Leslie
being referred to Archbishop Sharp. (Mar. Coll. Ch. Ch. " Professorships,"
REGENTS. 37
Nos. 4, 7, 8.) On ist August of that year he had been condemned at a Rec-
torial Court for issuing " heterodox and profane theses . . . qlk became no
christiane nor civill mane to mantaine, they altogether reflecting upon the
fame of the Universitie, and being ane open floodget to murder, drunkenness
and idolatrie ". (Bulk of Reg.) Bajan, 1657.
1664. John Gordon.
M.A., 1658. Not in Kennedy's list. Adm. in Accts., 1664-65. In 1664,
Patrick Strachan complains that Gordon, " servant to Sir Robert Farquhar,"
has been admitted regent "in lew of the petitioner, being neither cited heard
nor advertised of ther procedour much less sentenced or censured," and is
" endeavouring in a most subdolous way to intrude himself in the place whereof
the petitioner is yet in possession". (Mar. Coll. Ch. Ch., "Professorships,"
No. 4.) Present at Rectorial election, March, 1665.
1664. William Paterson.
Not in Kennedy's list. Adm. in Accts, 1664-65. Present at Rectorial elec-
tion, March, 1665 ; and at election of bibliothecar, 5th March, 1667. In that
year appointed to a regency in Edinburgh. Clerk to the Privy Council, 1679.
(Dalziel's Hist.) Bajan, 1659.
166 ? Alexander Alexander.
Given by Kennedy as 'admitted in 1668, but present at election of biblio-
thecar, 5th March, 1667. Theses for 1669 (Abd.). Present at Rectorial elec-
tions in March, 1673, and March, 1674, but not 1675. Became Minister of
Glass, 1679. (Scott's Fasti ; Roger's House of Alexander.) Bajan, 1660.
166 ? Robert Bruce.
Given by Kennedy as admitted in 1668, but present at election of bibliothe-
car, 1667; also at Rectorial elections in 1673 and 1674, but not 1675. Pro-
moted from a regency to be Minister of Old Deer not later than 1676 (Scott's
Fasti), probably in 1674, for in July of that year his place as a regent had been
taken by John Farquhar. (Mar. Coll. Ch. Ch. " Librarian ". Cf. Nos. 4 and 6.)
He is called "late regent" in an Instrument, Seaton divinity student agt. the
Magistrates, znd July, 1674. (Burgh Ch. Ch. "College," C2. 7.) Bajan, 1661.
1667. Thomas Gray.
Given by Kennedy as admitted in 1668 ; but is named as teacher of Bajan
class, 1667, in Buik of Reg. Theses for 1673 (Mar. Coll. Ch. Ch.). He is
stated in them to be a grandson of Principal Gilbert Gray. He was present at
the Rectorial election of that year, but not in 1674. It would appear from a
paper in the Mar. Coll. Ch. Ch. (" Professorships," No. 5) that Gray taught
the first class for three successive sessions, and thereafter "ascended" in the
usual manner. The same Thos. Gray, " son to the deceased Provost Gray,"
acted as College Librarian in 1669-73. (T. C. Reg., lv., 158, 526.) Bajan, 1660.
1667. Robert Paterson.
Given by Kennedy under year 1669, but probably succeeded William Pater-
son in 1667. Teacher of Bajan class, 1671. (Buik of Reg.) Present at Rectorial
3 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
elections, 1673 and 1674. Promoted to the Principalship, p. 28, 2oth No-
vember, 1678, when he was succeeded by James Lorimer. Paterson was a
younger son of John, Bishop of Ross. (Nisbet's Heraldry.) Bajan, 1661.
16 ? John Lorimer [?] .
Given by Kennedy under year 1672 ; but this must be a blunder, as Alex-
ander, Bruce, Gray, and R. Paterson were in office during that year.
1673. George Peacock.
Given by Kennedy under year 1675, but seems to have succeeded Gray.
Present at Rectorial election, March, 1674. Teacher of Bajan class, 1673-74.
(Buik of Reg.) Children : James, Mary, Elizabeth. (Poll Book of 1695.)
Theses, 1689 (Bodl.), 1693 (Bodl.), 1697 (Glasg.), 1714 (Bodl.). Deprived of
office in the political troubles, 1717, when he was succeeded by Patrick
Hardie. Bajan, 1666.
1674. John Farquhar.
Given by Kennedy under year 1669, but this is manifestly a blunder, as he
succeeded Robert Bruce, probably in 1674. Present at Rectorial election,
March, 1675, and (with William Seaton) homologates Paterson's election as
Librarian, in May of same year. (Mar. Coll. Ch. Ch., " Librarian," No. 9.)
Minister of Tron Church, Edinburgh, 1677. (Scott's Fasti.} Bajan, 1664.
1674. William Seaton.
Not in Kennedy's list. Succeeded Alexander Alexander, probably in 1674.
Named in an Instrument, Magistrates agt. Seaton, igth January, 1675. (Burgh
Ch. Ch. " College," C2. 7.) Bajan, 1667.
1675. Robert Farquhar.
Given by Kennedy under year 1676, but signs Charter to Burgh, gth Sep-
tember, 1675 (" Mortifications," ii., 13). Succeeded John Farquhar. Present
at Rectorial elections, 1679 and 1680. Promoted from a regency to be Minister
of Cullen, 1681 (Scott's Fasti), when he was succeeded by Thomas Burnett
Semi, 1665.
J675. John Patton.
M. A., 1669. Given by Kennedy under year 1676, but signs Charter to Burgh,
1675. Succeeded William Seaton. Present at Rectorial elections in 1679 and
1680. Taught Bajan class, 1680-81. Promoted from a regency to be Minister
of Leochel, 1682 (Scott's Fasti), when he was succeeded by Alexander Litster.
1679, Jan- J6- James Lorimer, student of theologie.
In place of Robert Paterson, promoted to be Principal. Lorimer's is the
first appointment of a regent recorded in the " Register of presentationes and
admissiones of all principalles and maisteres ". The letter of presentation by
George, eighth Earl Marischal, dated i5th January, is engrossed. The ap-
pointment is " for this present yeir of God underwritten and yeirlie in tyme
coming during our pleasure and ay and quhill we shall declair his charge
vaccant by writt under our own hand and the samen be intimat to him ". The
admitters are : Principal Robert Paterson, Regents George Peacock, John
REGENTS. 3Q
Patton, Robert Farquhar, Professor Duncan Liddell, Mr. Patrick Sibbald,
parson of St. Nicholas, and Mr. Robert Bruce, minister at Old Deer. Bajan, 1670.
1681, October 27. Thomas Burnet, master of airts.
In place of Robert Farquhar, demitted. Promoted to a regency in Edin-
burgh, 1686, as a reward for representing (in Theses printed at Aberdeen in
that year) the Reformation as a villainous rebellion, and asserting that the
King of Scotland had the power of making and abrogating laws and imposing
taxes without the consent of Parliament. In 1690, because of the very same
Theses, he was deprived of his regency by the Commission of Visitation.
(Minutes of Commn. in Reg. Ho.; Fountainhall's Decisions; Presbyterian
Inquisition in Univ. of E din.} Bajan, 1673.
1682, October 3. Alexander Litster, student of theologie.
In place of John Patton, demitted. Demitted 1693. Children : John,
Alexander, Francis, Marjorie, Elizabeth (Poll Book). Bajan, 1667.
1683, July 25. Robert Keith, student of theologie.
" Sone to the deceist doctor William Keith, professor of theologie in Edin-
burghe." In place of James Lorimer. Theses, 1687 (Bodl.). For a reference
to this Keith, see Fountainhall's Scottish Affairs, p. 248, where he is designated
" of Lentosh ". Bajan, 1668.
1686, * November i. James Moir, student in divinitie.
" Lawfull sone to James Moir in Ferrihill." In place of Thomas Burnet,
removed to the College of Edinburgh. Children : Agnes, Jean (Poll Book).
Died 1713. Bajan, 1674.
1688, March 29. Alexander Moir, student of divinitie.
" Brother german to James Moir of Stoniewood." In place of Robert Keith.
"A gentleman of great erudition and primitive simplicity of manners." "No
wife, child, nor servant " (Poll Book). Theses, 1699 (Bodl.). Deprived in
1717. He went to . Edinburgh, and kept a private Academy for sons of
Jacobite nobility and gentry for several years. (Lettsom's Life, I. ; Nichols'
Lit. A need., I. ; Family of Moir and Byres.) Tertian, 1684.
1693, December 5. William Smith.
Governour then to Charles Lord Hay. In place of Alexander Litster, de-
mitted. "No wife, child, nor servant" (Poll Book). Author of the Oratio in
qua inclytae Academiae Marischallanae Abredonensis Nobilissimus Parens, Illustres
Maecenases et Eximii Benefactores ad annum MDCXCVI commemorantur, Abred.,
1701 — so often quoted in Vol. I. Theses 1700, 1704, 1708 (Aberd.), and 1712
(Glasg.). Deprived in 1717.
1713, March 2. George Keith.
M.A., 1700. " Son to Sir William Keith of Ludquhairn, baronett." In
place of James Moir, lately deceased. Summoned before the Presbytery of
1 Kennedy has a John Keith, under this date, who does not appear in the Register ; and
Douglas (Peerage, ed. of 1813, II. p., 190) speaks of a " Professor Thomas Keith of the
Marischal College " — equally unknown. See Scottish N. and Q., Jan. 1897.
40 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
Aberdeen, 2yth Jan., 1714, for adultery with Anne Davidson, a married woman.
Refused to appear, and was pronounced contumacious. On loth November,
his name was put on the roll of excommunicated persons. (Presb. Min.)
This seems to have entailed loss of his regency.
1715, November 30. William Meston.
M.A., 1698. " Late Governour to the honourable Mr. James Keith brother ger-
man to the Earle Marischal." In place of George Keith, "lately removed from the
said office ". Several of the admitters were absent " by reason of the disorders
of the times ". Meston gave " a publick oration and a specimen in the Greek
tongue". Deprived in 1717, he seems never to have actually taught, for in
session 1715-16 "the Colledge was separat before the Lawes were read or the
season of payment come " (Coll. Proc. Accts.\ and in 1716, no classes assembled ;
but in 1729 he obtained from the Town Council payment of salary for period
from Whitsunday, 1715, to Martinmas, 1716: £82 los. Scots (T. C. Reg., lx.,
85). The notice of Meston in Diet. Nat. Biog. is incorrect in several details.
Cf. the sketch of him (by the present editor) in N. and Q., 7, X., 21, where a
bibliography is attempted. Introduced in Allardyce's Balmoral.
1717, Sept. 30. Patrick Hardie.
In place of George Peacock, deprived. The King's commissions bear that
each regent is to hold office " during all the dayes of his naturall life ".
Hardie died 1724.
1717, September 30. David Verner.
In place of Alexander Moir, deprived. Had studied law in Universities ot
Edinburgh and Glasgow, treated LL.D. (p. 95), and in 1724 appointed to
lecture on law. Theses, 1721 (Westburn), 1730 (Glasg.). Died 1752, aged 64.
(A herd. Journal, 28th Jan., 1752 ; Bower's Life of Beattie.)
1717, September 30. John Anderson.
In place of William Meston, deprived. Second son of Alexander Anderson
of Bourtie. M.A., King's Coll., 1700. Died 1721.
1717, September 30. George Cruden.
In place of William Smith, deprived. Bajan, 1712. Died 1723.
1721, April 14. George Turnbull.
In place of John Anderson, deceased. Theses, 1726 (Aberd.). Author of
Moral and Christian philosophy, Lond. 1740; Universal law, Lond. 1741; Collection
of ancient paintings, Lond. 1744. LL.D., 1727, in which year he demitted office.
See p. 95.
1723, September 6. Thomas Haddow, professor of Greek.
In place of George Cruden, deceased. This is the first mention in the
Register of a regent allocated to the teaching of Greek. The Parliamentary
Commission of Visitation appointed in 1690 had in 1700 issued an ordinance
in the following terms : —
" At Edinburgh, the i6th day of August, 1700 years, the commissioners ap-
pointed by act of parliament for visitation of universities, colleges, and schools
REGENTS. 41
taking to their consideration that it would conduce much to the better learning,
and for the improvement of the study of the Greek tongue, that the teacher
of the same in the first of the four classes in use for Greek and philosophy in
each university and college were fixed, and not ambulatory as now he is ; do
therefore appoint and ordain that hereafter the said teacher of the Greek
tongue be fixed, and continue still to teach the same in the said first class to
all that shall come to learn under him from year to year, as constant master
of the said Greek language, which he is hereby appointed to begin to teach at
and after the first day of November through the whole year, untill the rising
of the class by the ordinary vacation ; so that in all that space he is to teach
only the Greek grammar and proper Greek authors, without teaching so
much as any Structura Syllogismi, or any thing else belonging to the course
of philosophy, which is only to be commenced the next year thereafter ; and
this act and ordinance to take effect after the first of November next. Likeas,
for the encouragement of the said fixed teacher of the Greek, it is hereby ap-
pointed that no scholar bred at schools in Scotland shall be admitted to learn
philosophy, or any part of the course thereof, in any of the colleges and uni-
versities, unless that he have learned his Greek, at least for the ordinary year
under the said fixed Greek master, and report an authentic certification thereon ;
and this provision to take effect for and after the year 1701, and no sooner.
And for the better executing this act it is farther enacted, that if there be at
present any vacancy of any of the four ordinarily called masters or professors
of philosophy in any of the said colleges and universities, the same shall be
supplied in the ordinary manner by a fixed Greek master, who is to remain as
said is, leaving the other three to ascend with their philosophy classes as use
is ; and where there is no vacancy, the said fixed Greek master is for this time
to be chosen by the faculty (that is the meeting of the rector, the professors
and masters of each of the said colleges and universities) out of the masters,
as the said faculty shall determine, which they are hereby ordained to do be-
twixt and the first day of October next. And the Greek master that shall be
chosen hereby is ordained to obey without reclaiming, with this provision
nevertheless for his encouragement, that it shall be in his option, upon any
vacancy that happens of any of the said three philosophy masters in his col-
lege or university, to betake himself to his place without any new trial ; in
which case the vacancy of the Greek master shall be supplied by one to be
fixed as above. And the commission ordain letters and charges to be direct
on this act as effeirs, and that the same be furthwith printed and sent to the
several universities and colleges, that none may pretend ignorance."
On 26th February, 1701, the Principal and Regents wrote to the Clerk of the
Commission : — " We did lykwayes give tymous obedience to the Act for settling
ane Greek Master in the Colledges, and did nominate and elect Master Alex-
ander Moir on of the Regents of this Colledge, to be ane fixed Greek Professor
in all tyme coming, who has accepted that office in this Colledge. We do therfor
intreat ye will represent this matter of fact to the Visitation, when they do
F
42 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
take ane revieu of this matter, and show how readie compliance we have given
heerin." (Records of Visitation in Gen. Reg. Ho.)
This appointment was sanctioned by the Commission, i4th January, 1702 ;
but it appears not to have become operative, for the Album shows Alexander
Moir in charge of the Magistrand class in sessions 1702-3, and 1706-7, as would
have been the case under the old four-year cycle. When the four new regents
were appointed in 1717, their commissions were in identical terms, but seem-
ingly Cruden (whom Haddow is said to succeed) must soon thereafter have
been set aside for the duties of a Greek chair. The admission on 8th Oct.,
1717, of Matthew McKaile to the Professorship of Medicine (p. 55) he signs
" Geo. Cruden, P[hilosophiae] P[rofessor] " ; but the admission, on i4th April,
1721, of George Turnbull to a regency (p. 40) he signs "Geo. Cruden,
L[iterarum] G[raecarum] P[rofessor] ". If Cruden became Professor of
Greek soon after 1717, a three-year cycle would have been set up for the other
three Regents. See " Sequence of the Regents," Appx.
Haddow must have died soon after admission. He held a certificate " of
good life and conversation " from Mr. John Cormack, minister of the Gospel,
St. Andrews.
1723, December 13. Thomas Blackwell, professor of Greek.
In place of Haddow, deceased. Became also Principal in 1748, p. 29.
1724, Oct. 15. Daniel Gordon.
Student of theology, St. Andrews. In place of Patrick Hardie, deceased.
Died 1729.
1727, July 25. William Duff.
In place of George Turnbull, demitted. Son of Hugh Duff, minister of
Fearn, Ross-shire (Wimberley's Hasp, of Invss.}, and M. A., 'King's Coll., 1721.
Theses, 1732 (Aberd.).
In 1734 Duff had a lawsuit with his colleague, Thomas Blackwell. On Sun-
day, 7th January, " betwixt the hours of 2 and 3, in the College Church, dur-
ing Divine Service, he jostled and pressed violently on Mr. Blackwell". Next
day, when Blackwell was teaching in the Bajan Class, Duff sent William
Fowler, sacrist, " to desire him to come out and speak to a gentleman," and
struck him on the head with a staff which he had provided on purpose,
" having come without his gown, which he had put off for that effect ". Black-
well presented a " Complaint and Libell unto the Revd. Princip11 and Masters
met in faculty," which Duff requested time to answer ; but the latter passed from
one delay to another, and finally advocated the case to Edinburgh, on the plea
that the Masters had no jurisdiction, and that two of their number had malice
against him. It was agreed, however, to submit the matter to the Principal
and Mr. Forbes, Sheriff Depute of Aberdeen, who settled it by a Decreet-
Arbitral. A minute of Faculty was prepared in draft, in which Duff was to
acknowledge the jurisdiction of the College, ask pardon for attacking its privi-
leges, and receive a rebuke from the Principal. He was at first fully satisfied
REGENTS. 43
with this, and showed much impatience to have a meeting held, where it
should be approved ; but on this being done he refused to submit, and insisted
upon his Bill of Advocation. The outcome of the proceedings has not been
traced— (Mem. for Duff, 2ist February; Pet. of Duff, 24th February; Answ.for
Black-well, 25th February ; Answ.for Prin. and oilier Masters, 23rd July — printed
papers in Town House Charter Room).
At a meeting of Faculty, held on gth February, 1736, Duff is charged with
neglect of duty and " with quarrelling upon slight and trivial occasions with
one Master after the other, and raising litigious and expensive lawsuits, and
with instigating the students to illegal and hurtful proceedings and undutiful
conduct to their masters ". At Christmas vacation he had to go to Edinburgh,
and did not return till 6th January (the vacation ending on the ist); neglected
his duty as Hebdomader; refused to preside at the public disputes; and on
3rd February again went to Edinburgh, appointing an assistant without asking
leave of the College. Blackwell states that he had raised criminal actions
against all his colleagues, and calls him " that strange unhappy man ".
ist March, 1736.— Duff protests in violent language, styling the minute of gth
February "a pretended calumnious unsigned lybel," of which a copy was
refused him.
loth March, 1737. — At a Rectorial meeting the Principal informs the Court
that he has, with advice and consent of the Faculty, given to Regent Duff two
admonitions for neglect of duty and other irregularities. The Court authorise
the Principal to give him forthwith the third and last admom'tion, in terms of
the Foundation Charter.
At subsequent meetings evidence is given of Duff's non-attendance at Col-
lege for two years : Drs. Campbell and Glennie, then students, being among
the witnesses. On 2oth January, 1738, sentence of expulsion is formally pro-
nounced, Duff being " extruded forth and from the said University and Mari-
schall College, and his said office and employment declared void and vacant
and at his Majesty's gift and disposal as patron of the foresaid University".
(Papers in Mar. Coll. Ch. Ch., " Rectors and Rectorial Courts ".)
Duff went to London, where he published The Case of William Duff, Profes-
sor of Philosophy in the Marischal University of Aberdeen : Sliou'ing I lie Barbarous
Treatment of an Honest Family, 1739; and A History of Scotland, Vol. I. (all
pubd.) 1750 (with author's portrait).
1729, Novemb. 25. Dr. Matthew McKail.
Previously Professor of Medicine, p. 55. In place of Daniel Gordon, de-
ceased. Some objection seems to have been taken to the admission of McKail,
as only three admitters sign. He delivers a discourse " On the connexion and
difference betwixt the atomic or Copernican and the Newtonian philosophy ".
Died 1733.
1734, March 26. Francis Skene.
Son of George Skene, minister of Kinkell (Skene Memorials}. M.A. King's
44
MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
Coll., 1721. In place of McKail, on whose death it had been proposed to
revert to the plan of the Founder, and assign the three higher classes to par-
ticular masters, Verner to take the semis, Duff the magistrands, and McKail's
successor the tertians. But Skene petitioned against this (Min. of 28th June),
and his objections were sustained. When the new plan was adopted in 1753,
he was assigned the Semis Class. LL.D., 1766, when he is also made "Pro-
fessor of Laws" (cf. Min. of 26th Nov., 1760). Died 1775. Portrait in
possession of University.
1739, April 10. Alexander Innes.
Great grandson of David Gregory of Kinnairdie (Off. and Grad., p. 37). M.A.,
1732. Had acted as substitute during William Duff's absence, sessions 1736-7,
T737-8, 1738-9. After Duff's deposition on 2Oth January, 1738, the Rector,
Principal and Masters appear to have pressed Innes' claims on the Chancellor,
Lord Hay, but without effect until January, 1739, when he recommends them to
apply to the Duke of Newcastle. This they do, igth January, calling his attention
to " the melancholy situation of our Colledge " ; but at the same time resolve
" to fix a Program to the College and kirk doors [cf. Vol. I., p. 45] within a few
days in order to secure their privilidges ". The Duke " making farther delays
and offsets," they resolve, 2nd March, to act on the program, and seek the
concurrence of the Magistrates in case the election should be called in ques-
tion. On igth March, the edict is duly "called," but no candidates appear,
and they intimate to Lord Hay that they have put off the election till loth
April, hoping to hear from him. On that day, having no letter, they elect
Mr. Innes. It is claimed that this is competent, from there having been no
presentation notified, although a year had elapsed since the vacancy had been
intimated to the Crown, from no answer to letters having been received, from
the loss sustained by the College in wanting a Regent, and from the terms of the
Foundation Charter. Lord Hay writes on 23rd April that he had received the
communication of 7th March on 2oth April. " It seems instead of sending it
by the Post, it came by somebody who took France in his way." He chides
the Faculty for not transmitting to Government a regular copy of the pro-
ceedings against Duff, wonders " a learned body did not better apprehend the
meaning of such notification," and send the causes of deposition, instead of
writing, " in no other stile than if Duff had been dead ". The Crown ought to
have known the whole, as a mark of respect, the office being one for life.
Duff, he adds, " has been a considerable time about town making a noise in
all the offices and in every place where he could have access ". After this
scolding, Lord Hay becomes kinder, and says that he has taken their part, and
told everybody that " Duff's long stay in this London and the unaccountable
turn of his temper made it highly probable that the Faculty had done nothing
but justice ". Blackwell's reply is a humble palinode, requesting a presentation
for Innes. It does not appear that this was ever sent.
We learn from a Memorial to the Barons of the Exchequer that Innes " was
so generous as to permit the emoluments of the class [1736-39] to go to the
support of Mr. Duff's unhappy relinquished family ". He died in 1742. (Coll.
REGENTS. 45
Min. ; Papers in Mar. Coll. Ch. Ch., " Rectors " ; A lexis, a pastoral to the memory
of Alexander Innes, Aberd., 1744.)
1742, Sept. 9. David Fordyce.
The second of Provost George Fordyce's twenty children, and through his
mother a relative of Principal Blackwell. M.A., 1728. Preacher of the
gospel : no parish. Was recommended by the College to the Crown, in
place of Innes. In 1750 got leave of absence and visited Rome: in returning,
1751, was drowned off the coast of Holland. Portrait at Brucklay Castle.
Author of Dialogues concerning education, Lond., 1745 ; Theodoras, 1752; Moral
philosophy, Lond., 1754; Temple of virtue, Lond., 1757; British letter -writer,
Lond., 1790. (Dingwall Fordyce Fam. Rec.}
1752, July 7. Alexander Gerard.
Son of deceased Gilbert Gerard, minister of Chapel ofGarioch. M.A., 1744.
Commission dated i8th May. In place of Fordyce, for whom he had acted as
substitute, sessions 1750-1 and 1751-2. Demitted 1760, on becoming Professor
of Divinity and minister of Greyfriars. D.D., King's Coll., 1761. Moderator
of Gen. Assembly, 1764. Professor of Divinity, King's Coll., 1771. Died 1795.
Was instrumental in bringing about the fixing of the Classes in 1753. In 1755
his Plan of Education in the MarischalColL and University of Aberdeen, with the
reasons of it, was printed by order of the Faculty. (German translation pubd.
at Riga, 1770. See also George Kerr's Examination of a pamplild entitled ' Plan
of Education, etc.,' Aberd., 1826.) His other works are well known. Married,
I4th June, 1757, Jean Wight, with issue : Marjory (m. Patrick Campbell of
Stracathro), Gilbert (his successor at King's Coll.), Alexander, John, Jane, and
Margaret Helen (m. James Cruickshank of Langley Park). Portrait in pos-
session of University. Together with James Beattie, George Campbell, John
Gregory, Thomas Reid, and David Skene, founded the Philosophical Society
of Aberdeen. (See Macmillan's Mag. for Sept., 1863.)
1753, Aug. 21. William Duncan.
In place of Verner. Son of deceased William Duncan of Atrochy. M.A.,
1735. Had attended some divinity classes, but became a professional author
in London. Commission dated, like Gerard's, i8th May, 1752, but on ist
Nov., certified by two physicians to be unable to undertake the journey to
Aberdeen, and David Burn, preacher of the Gospel, appointed to conduct his
class. Drowned while bathing, i2th May, 1760. Author of Logic (in Dods-
ley's "Preceptor"), Lond., 1748, etc.; Caesar's Commentaries, trans., Lond.,
1753, etc.; Discourse on Roman art of war, Lond., 1755 ; editions of Greek New
Test, and Ainsworth's Latin Dictionary ; Cicero's Select Orations, trans., Lond.,
1771 ; also probably of Vol. II. of Watson's Horace, and of several translations
from the French. (Biog. sketch, not very accurate, in Scottish Register, Vol. I.)
By minute of Senatus, of date nth January, 1753, the subjects and classes
had been fixed as follows : —
Francis Skene, professor of Civil and Natural History (semis).
William Duncan, professor of Natural Philosophy (tertians).
46 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
1753, Aug. 21. Alexander Gerard, professor of Moral Philosophy and
Logic (magistrands).
A programme of the classes as thus arranged appeared in the Aberdeen
Journal of 2nd Oct. The King's College professors, while adopting the altered
sequence of subjects, adhered to the old system of circulating regents. This,
it is understood, was due to the authority of Dr. Thomas Reid, who gave
it a decided preference. The grounds on which so enlightened a teacher de-
fended a practice that once extensively prevailed are interesting. The minutes
embodying them are quoted in the present editor's A rts Curriculum, Aberd.,
1892, p. 13. See also Abstract of some orders and statutes of King's College,
Aberd., 1753.
1758, March 7. William Kennedy, professor of Greek.
In place of Blackwell. Son of the, Rev. Hugh Kennedy, one of the ministers
of the Scots Church, Rotterdam. M. A., 1754. Student of divinity. Died i4th
November, 1782.
1760, Oct. 8. James Beattie, professor of moral philosophy and logic.
In place of Gerard. Son of James Beattie, farmer, Laurencekirk. First bursar,
1749; M.A., 1753; LL.D., King's Coll., 1770; D.C.L., Oxon., 1773. Married,
28th June, 1767, Mary Dun, with issue : James Hay (infra), and Montagu.
Died i8th Aug., 1803. His numerous writings are well known, the only one
explicitly for the use of his students being Scoticisms, Aberd., 1778. Portrait
(in the allegorical painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds), in the possession of the
University, reproduced in the great window, Mitchell Hall, Mar. Coll., and
in this volume. (Bower's Life; Forbes' Life; Diet. Nat. Biog. ; Sir W. D.
Geddes' Poetic ideals of education.)
1760, Oct. 8. George Skene, professor of natural philosophy.
In place of Duncan. Son of Regent Francis Skene (supra). M.A., 1755.
M.D. Married, 26th October, 1769, Margaret, daughter of Charles Gordon of
Abergeldie, with issue : John, Francis, Amelia (m. Capt. Edmund Filmer),
Mary, Charles (Prof, of Medicine, infra], Mary Anne, Elizabeth, Margaret
(m. Arthur Anderson of Deebank, now Newton Dee), Andrew, William,
Alison. Succeeded his father as professor of civil and natural history, 1775.
1775. George Skene, professor of civil and natural history.
This transference is not entered in the Reg. of Pres. Demitted office 1788,
and died 25th March, 1803. Portrait in possession of University.
1775, March 25. Patrick Copland, professor of natural philosophy.
In place of George Skene, transferred, whom he had assisted during session
1774-75. Son of Rev. Samuel Copland, D.D., minister of Fintray. M.A., 1766.
Appointed Professor of Mathematics, 1779, but taught that subject in reality
for only one session. See 1817, infra.
1779, June 18. Robert Hamilton, professor of natural philosophy.
In place of Copland, transferred. Son of Gavin Hamilton, bookseller,
and grandson of Principal William Hamilton, Edinburgh. Rector of Perth
REGENTS. 47
Academy LL.D., Edin., 1775. Exchanged duties with Copland in 1780, but
not until 1817 formally appointed Professor of Mathematics, p. 54.
1782, Dec. 9. John Stuart, professor of Greek.
In place of Kennedy, for whom he had acted as substitute, 1781-2. Son of
John Stuart of Inchbreck. Alumnus, 1767. Studied Law and Divinity.
Married, 26th April, 1787, Margaret, daughter of George Mowatt, merchant,
Aberdeen, with issue : John, Marjory, Mary, George Andrew, Alexander,
Charles. Died 27th August, 1827. Taught in part from 1815, and wholly
from 1818, by deputies, viz. : —
1815-18. Alexander Black, afterwards professor of divinity, p. 52.
1818-20. Alexander Leith Ross, died March, 1821.
1820-22. Robert Reid.
1822-23. Robert Reid and Robert 1 Machray.
1823-24. Robert l Machray.
1824-27. Robert Reid.
Stuart was author of Life of Dr. Duncan Liddel, Aberd., 1790 (repr. in Aber-
deen Mag., 1796); " Marischal College" in Sinclair's Statistical Account, Vol.
21, Edinb., 1799 ; Essays, chiefly on Scottish Antiquities, Aberd., 1846. Portrait
by John Moir in possession of Aberdeen Medico-Chirurgical Society, which
he helped to found. (Life prefixed to Essays.)
1787, Sept. 28. James Hay Beattie.
Appointed assistant and successor to his father, the preamble of the Com-
mission citing "the advanced period of life of James Beattie". M.A., 1786.
Died igth Nov., 1790. Author of Essays and fragments, Edin., 1794 ; Sylla-
bus of Versification, Aberd., 1795 ; Miscellanies, Lond., 1799. (Life by his
father, 1792; portrait engraved, 1801.) First winner of the Silver Pen.
1788, May 10. William Morgan, professor of civil and natural history.
In place of George Skene. Son of George Morgan. Late rector of Kingston,
Jamaica. D.D., King's Coll., 1780. Married to Martha Jopping, with issue
(alive at his admission), James Gordon. Died 2nd Sept., so that he never
taught.
1788, Oct. 22. James Beattie, professor of civil and natural history.
In place of Morgan. Son of David Beattie, Laurencekirk, and nephew of
Dr. James Beattie. M.A., 1783. Married, 5th June, 1794, Jane Innes, with
issue : James, David, Anne, Alexander, Jean, John. Died 5th Oct., 1810.
" Ewen Maclachlan in November published two poems in his memory "
(Knight).
1796, Sept. 30. George Glennie, professor of moral philosophy.
Assistant and successor "on account of the advanced period of life " of
Dr. James Beattie. Son of Dr. John Glennie, minister of Maryculter. M.A.,
1786. Entered on the full charge when Dr. Beattie died in 1803. One of
1 William in Knight's MS. The name is not minuted.
48 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
ministers of Aberdeen, in 'conjunction, from 1813, D.D., 1816. Married, 4th
July, 1797, Margaret Valentine, niece of Dr. Beattie, with issue: Jane (m. Pro-
fessor William Knight), James Beattie, Mary (m. Professor Patrick Forbes of
King's College), Margaret (d. in nine days), Margaret, John, George, Helen.
Died gth November, 1845. Had latterly taught by deputies : —
1840. James Duirs, M.A.
1841-43. Alexander Bain, M.A., 1840, afterwards Prof, of Logic in the
University of Aberdeen.
1844. Rev. William R. Pirie, Prof, of Divinity.
1845. William Fraser, alumnus of Edinburgh.
1811 [?] Robert Renny.
In place of James Beattie, younger. Minister of Kilsyth. DD., 1808. Unani-
mously recommended by the Faculty, 23rd Nov., 1810, and duly gazetted to the
post, but on 2nd April, 1811, wrote that, "owing to unforeseen and peculiar cir-
cumstances originating in the present perplexed state of commercial credit in
that part of the country where he now resides, which prevent him from arranging
his private affairs, so as to enable him in due time to assume and discharge
the office to which he had been appointed, he had thought it expedient to
intimate his resignation to the Faculty ". (Min. of loth April.) On 6th May,
the Faculty recommend Dr. James Davidson by the casting vote of the Prin-
cipal, four members voting for William Knight, who had conducted the
classes, by appointment of the Faculty, during session 1810-11,
1811, July i. James Davidson, professor of civil and natural history.
In place of Renny. M.D., Edin., 1792. Hon. M.A., King's Coll., 1811.
Physician at Dunfermline. Married 2ndly, 3rd Nov., 1811, Charlotte Johnston,
with issue: Elizabeth, Christian, David, James Johnston, Laurence, John
Rankin, Margaret, Charlotte, William Adam, Robert Halkerston, Andrew.
Died igth Feb., 1841. Classes had been taught, 1838-41, by a substitute, John
Shier, M.A. (p. 59). (Riddell's Aberdeen and its folk.)
1817, July 9. Patrick Copland, professor of natural philosophy.
In place of Hamilton, demitted. Copland and Hamilton had (with the ap-
proval of the Faculty and Magistrates) exchanged their duties on i6th Nov.,
1780, but the formal exchange of chairs was only now made. When the
exchange was arranged in 1816, the Faculty recommended to the Crown the
joint appointment of Professor Copland's son, John, as assistant and successor
to his father ; but this was found incompetent. Copland was made LL.D.,
27th June, 1817. He married, 27th Sept., 1787, Elizabeth Ogilvie, with issue:
Alexander, John, Charles, Mary (m. Alexander Murchison, M.D.). Died loth
Nov., 1822. His collection of apparatus purchased for 700 guineas by the
college. (Knight's MSS., quoted in Scot. N. and Q., I., 124.)
1823, Feb. 20. William Knight, professor of natural philosophy.
In place of Copland. Son of William Knight, bookseller. M.A., 1802 ;
REGENTS. 49
LL.D., 1817. Had taught semi class of 1810-11 ; and extra-mural classes of
botany and chemistry, 1811-16; Professor of natural philosophy, Academical
Institution, Belfast, 1816-22. In September, 1822, Copland offered to resign if
a presentation could be secured for Knight, and the Faculty unanimously re-
commended him for the post. On 2Qth Oct., he was appointed to teach the class
during the ensuing session. Copland died loth Nov., and Knight was gazetted
26th Nov. Resumed the teaching of botany in 1823, and in 1827 was appointed
lecturer on that subject by the joint Medical School, infra. Married, i7th Sept.,
1821, Jane, daughter of Professor Glennie, with issue: Margaret, Janet, Jean,
George, William, Mary. Died 3rd December, 1844. Author of Heads of a course
of lectures, Aberd., 1811 ; Outlines of botany, Aberd., 1813, 1828; Facts towards a
new theory of the earth, Edin., 1818 ; The first day in heaven, Lond., 1820; " Mari-
schal Coll. " in New Statist. Acct., Edin., 1845. His MS. Collections have
been of immense service in the preparation of these volumes. (Diet. Nat. Biog. ;
Masson's " Men I have Known " in Macmillan's Mag., Vol. 9; Bain's " Recol-
lections " in Alma Mater, Vol. 6 ; Aberdeen and its folk ; Brown's Bookstall.}
1827, Dec. ii. Robert James Brown, professor of Greek.
In place of Stuart : unanimously recommended by the Faculty. Son of
Principal W. L. Brown. M.A., 1808. Minister of Drumblade, 1821-27.
Moderator of F. C. Assembly, 1846. Married, i4th Sept., 1829, Jane
Stronach, without issue. Retired, on the union of the Universities in 1860,
and died 7th December, 1872. Portrait by Philip, in F. C. Coll., Aberd.
1841, May 17. William Macgillivray, professor of civil and natural
history.
In place of Davidson. M.A., King's Coll., 1815 ; LL.D., King's Coll., 1844.
Married, Marion McCaskill, with issue: John, Isabella, Williamina Craigie,
Marion McCaskill (m. William Jamieson), Anne Dorothea, Paul Howard,
Audubon Felix, Caroline Mary, Margaret Christina, William Norman. Died
5th Sept., 1852. His numerous ornithological and other works are well
known. (Diet. Nat. Biog.)
1845, March 7. David Gray, professor of natural philosophy.
In place of Knight. The class during the remainder of session 1844-5 had
been taught by Alexander Bain (see under 1796). Gray was Rector of Royal
Academy, Inverness, 1839-45. Married, Margaret Jane Brown, with issue :
Thomas David, Frances Downie, John Roubel, Catherine Roubel, George,
Mary Clementina, Marion Hannah, Margaret Jane. Died loth Febr., 1856.
Author of Introductory lecture on yd Nov., Aberd., 1846, 1848 ; On the grammar
school curriculum, Aberd., 1854 ; Letter on the advantages of a mathematical
training [1854].
1846, April 15. William Martin, professor of moral philosophy and
logic.
In place of Glennie. M.A., St. And., 1837; LL.D., St. And., 1868. On the
union of the Universities in 1860, became professor of moral philosophy in the
G
5O MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
University of Aberdeen. Retired 1876. Married, i8th Oct., 1886, Annie May,
daughter of late Rev. William Beattie, minister of Evie and Rendall. Died i8th
February, 1890. Author of Modern infidelity, Aberd., 1848 ; 7s man responsible
for his belief? Aberd., 1849; Notes on the foundation and history of Marischal
College, Aberd., 1849 ; The Bible in its relations to the present age, Aberd., 1851 ;
British infidelity : its aspects and prospects, Edinb., 1852 ; Creed and circumstance,
Glasg., 1854 ; On the argument of Butler in his Analogy, Aberd., 1855 ; Relations
of Christian revelation to science ; Note to Garley's Submission and its reward,
Lond., 1863 ; Moral evidence and its relation to religion, Aberd., 1868. (Records
of Arts Class, 1868-72, 2nd ed., 1892.)
1853, Sept. 15. James Nicol, professor of civil and natural history.
In place of Macgillivray. Son of Rev. James Nicol, minister of Traquair.
Studied Arts and Divinity at Edinburgh, and mineralogy at Berlin and Bonn.
Assistant Sec., Geological Society, 1847-49. Professor of Geology and Miner-
alogy, Queen's Coll., Cork, 1849-53. On the union of the Universities in 1860,
became professor of natural history in the University of Aberdeen. Retired
1878, and died 8th April, 1879. Married, 7th Sept., 1849, Alexandrina Anne
Macleay Downie, without issue. Portrait in possession of Mrs. Nicol. A
bibliography of his numerous writings will be found in Records of Arts Class,
1868-72, 2nd ed. (Diet. Nat. Biog.}
1856, Aug. 19. James Clerk Maxwell, professor of natural philosophy.
In place of Gray. Son of John Clerk (Maxwell), Midlothian. Second
wrangler, 1854. On the union of the Universities in 1860, he demitted office.
Married, 2nd June, 1858, Catherine Mary, daughter of Principal Dewar. Died
5th Nov., 1879. His writings are among the classics of Natural Philosophy.
(Life by Campbell and Garnett. Diet. Nat. Biog.}
PROFESSORS OF DIVINITY.1
1625, Dec. 21. Robert Baron.
M.A., St. And. ; D.D., King's Coll., 1627. Minister of Greyfriars, which he
held in conjunction. Previously Regent at St. Andrews, and minister of Keith.
One of the "Aberdeen Doctors". Died igth Aug., 1639. Author of Philoso-
phia theologiae ancillans, Andreap., 1621, etc.; Positiones, Andreap., 1621; De
formali objecto fidei, Abred., 1627 ; Theses theologicae, Abred., 1630 ; Apodixis
catholica, Abred., 1631 ; On the arrival of King Charles, Aberd., 1633 ; Disputatio
theologica, Abred., 1633 ; Metaphysica, Lugd. Bat., 1654. A sermon in Forbes'
Funerals. (Funerals, ed. 1845. Gordon's Scots Affairs, III., 236.) MSS. in
University Library.
1649, June 6. John Menzies.2
Previously regent, p. 34. Minister of Greyfriars in conjunction. Died ist
Feb., 1684. Author of Britannia rediviva, Aberd., 1660 ; Papismus lucifugus,
Aberd., 1668 ; Roma mendax, Lond., 1675 ; Sermon at funeral of Dr. Alexander
Fraser, Edin., 1681. (Scott's Fasti.}
1684, June 4. Patrick Sibbald.
One of the ministers of Aberdeen since 1666. Rector since 1679, p. 13.
D.D., 1684 (Scott). Held Greyfriars in conjunction. " No wife nor child"
(Poll Book}. Died 1697. Portrait in possession of University.
1697, Dec. 22. James Osborne.
Alumnus of Glasgow. Previously minister, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen.
Died 1711. The appointment not in the Reg. of P res.
1711, Dec. 18. Thomas Blackwell.
Alumnus of Glasgow. Previously minister, Paisley and Aberdeen. Is ad-
mitted " Professor of Divinity and Lecturer in the Gray Frier Church of the
said Colledge " (Reg. of Pres.}. Held the Principalship (p. 29) in conjunction
from 1717. Died 1728.
1728, Aug. 8. James Chalmers.
M.A., 1705. Previously minister, Dyke and Aberdeen. Died 6th Oct.,
1744. Son of Hugh, bajan 1661, and brother of Alexander, M.A., 1699. (P. H.
Chalmers' Memorandum.}
1 The circumstances attending the foundation of the Divinity chair are detailed in Vol.
I., pp. 159-180. The patronage was exercised by the Town Council down to the union of
the Universities in 1860.
2 For abortive nominations of James Wood and John Seaton, see Vol. I., p. 179.
52 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
1745, August 28. Robert Pollock.
M.A., Edinburgh, 1725 ; D.D., Mar. Coll., 1753. Previously minister of
Duddingston. Held the Principalship (supra] in conjunction from 1757. Died
i8th May, 1759. Mr. Frederick Carmichael, minister of Inveresk, had been
nominated by the Council, 24 Nov., 1744, but declined (T. C. Reg., Ixi., 184).
1760, June ii. Alexander Gerard.
Previously regent, supra. D.D., 1761. Demitted in 1771, on appointment
to Divinity Chair, King's Coll.
1771, Aug. 7. George Campbell.
Principal, supra. Demitted the professorship 2nd June, 1795, and died 6th
April, 1796.
1795, August 12. William Laurence Brown.
Principal next year, supra. Died nth May, 1830.
1831, Oct. 20. Alexander Black.
Son of deceased Alexander Black, Aberdeen. First bursar, 1803 ; M.A.,
1807 ; D.D., 1824. Minister of Tarves, 1818-31. Married, gth November,
1826, Rachel Booth, with issue : Alexander, George Hamilton Gordon, Helen
Forsyth. Demitted i4th June, 1843, on joining the Free Church.
1843, Dec. 30. William r\obinson Pirie.
Son of Rev. George Pirie, D.D., minister of Slains. D.D., 1844. Minister
of Greyfriars, 1846-47. On union of Universities in 1860, became Professor of
Church History in the University of Aberdeen ; Moderator of General Assembly,
1864 ; Principal of the University, 1877. Married, 24th March, 1842, Mar-
garet Chalmers, daughter of Rev. Lewis Wm. Forbes, D.D., minister of Bo-
harm, with issue: George (Prof, of Maths., Univ. of Aberd.), Penelope Eliza-
beth, May Forbes (m. R. B. Thomson), Margaret Forbes (m. T. A. W. A.
Youngson), Lewis James, William Robinson, Charles Lockhart, Charlotte
Lockhart Baird, Benjamin Abernethy Gordon, Annie. Died 1885. A list of
his writings will be found in the present editor's notice in Diet. Nat. Biog.
See also In Memoriam W. R. Pirie, Abd., 1889.
PROFESSORS OF MATHEMATICS.1
1626, May 3. William Johnston.
Youngest son of George Johnston of that Ilk and Caskieberf, and younger
brother of Arthur Johnston, the Latin poet. M.D. According to W. Smith's
Oratio, p. 24, he had been a professor at Sedan ; but he is not mentioned in
Charles Peyran's Hist, de Vacad. de Sedan, and has probably been confused
with his elder brother. Died June, 1640. His widow a benefactor, Vol. I.,
p. 246. His scattered poems have not yet been collected. " He wrote on the
Mathematicks." (Cat. Scot. Writ. MSS. in Univ. Libr.) Portrait by Jamesone
in possession of University. (W.Johnston's Geneal. Acct.) Bajan 1605.
1641, Jan. 13. William Moir.
Late bailie. Also Principal, 1649, p. 28. Bajan 1614.
1661, July 3. Duncan Liddell.
Son of John Liddell, brother of the founder of the Chair. " He taught
Geometry, Navigation, Gunnery, for several years in London, and dyed in
Aberdein, being very aged" (Cat. Scot. Writ.}. "Jean Montgumorie, relict"
(Poll Book). Bajan 1630.
1687, Nov. 29. George Liddell.
As assistant and successor to his father. " The principall masters and
members of the said Colledge having assigned and appoynted to him this day
for giving ane publict evidence of his ingyne and knowledge of the said science
in their common schooll, and which the said master George did ther publictlie
give efter ten of the cloak and ringing of the great bell of the Colledge, in
their presence and als in presence of the said's magistrats, the most pairt of
the doctors and ministers of the said burghe and many others then present, to
all of their great contentments and satisfactiones and with their great and
vnanimous approbatione. ... In token whairof the said principall for him-
self and in name of the rest of the masters and members of the said Colledge
instantly delyvered to the said master George Liddell Eucleid's book of
Mathematicks and the sphericall globe in his hands as vse is " (Reg. of Pres.).
" No wife, child, nor servant " (Poll Book). Deprived by the Commission of
1716. Tertian 1683.
1 The circumstances attending the foundation of the Mathematical Chair are detailed in
Vol. I., pp. 131-148. The patronage was exercised by the Town Council down to the union of
the Universities in 1860.
(53)
54
MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
1717, Sept. 30. Colin Maclaurin.
M.A., Glasg., 1713, aged 15. F.R.S., 1719. Appointed 1725, on the recom-
mendation of Sir Isaac Newton, Professor of Mathematics in the University
of Edinburgh. Portrait in Smith's Icon. Scot. (Diet. Nat. Biog.)
1727, Sept. 4. John Stewart.
Son of Robert Stewart, late provost. M.A., 1726. Married, 8th Sept., 1847,
Jean Gordon, with issue : Robert, Margaret, Annabella, John, Jean, Caroline,
James, Charles. Died isth March, 1766. (See Scots Mag., XXVIIL, 167.)
Translator of Newton's Tracts on Quadrature of Curves and Analysis by Series,
Lond., 1745. College nickname, " John Triangles " (Knight).
1766, Oct. 29. William Traill.
Son of William Traill, minister of St. Monans. M.A., Glasg., 1766. LL.D.,
Mar. Coll., 1774. Dr. John Garioch, physician in Aberdeen, admitted assistant
and successor nth Sept., 1776, but died i2th March, 1777 (Verses in Abcrd.
Jour., i7th March). Traill resigned 6th April, 1779, obtaining preferment
in the Church of Ireland. Died 3rd Febr., 1831. Author of Elements of
Algebra, Aberd., 1770, etc.; Life of Robert Simson, Lond., 1812.
1779, April 17. Patrick Copland.
Previously professor of natural philosophy, supra.
1817, July 9. Robert Hamilton.
Previously professor of natural philosophy, supra. Married, ist, Ann
Mitchell, with issue : Anne Archibald, Helen (m. Andrew Thomson of Ban-
chory), Marion (m. Rev. Robert Swan) ; 2nd, 8th Oct., 1782, Jean Morison.
Died i4th July, 1829. His numerous mathematical and economic writings are
well known. Portraits by Moir of Professor and Mrs. Hamilton in possession
of University.
1817, July 9. John Cruickshank.
Son of James Cruickshank, Rothiemay. M.A., 1809 ; LL.D., 1834.
Assistant and successor to Professor Hamilton, whom he had privately as-
sisted for three years past. Had been examined by Professors Hamilton and
Copland, together with Professors Paul and Tulloch, of King's College, who
reported him " fully competent to teach Mathematics in any University". Suc-
ceeded to the full charge, 1829 5 retired 1860, on the union of the Universities.
Married, 22nd October, 1818, Janet Mitchell, with issue: Alexander (M.A.,
1840; LL.D., 1882), Anne Hamilton, John Forbes (M.A., 1840: died young).
Died loth Nov., 1875. Portrait by Sir John Watson Gordon in possession of
his son, Dr. Alexander Cruickshank, reproduced in this volume. (Ogilvie's
John Cruickshank.)
PROFESSORS OF MEDICINE.1
1701. Patrick Chalmers.
Of Fedrett, doctor of medicine. Children : Alexander, Samuel, Patrick,
George, John, Janat, Margrat, Elizabeth, Rachel (Poll Book). Deprived in
1716.
1717, October 8. Matthew McKaile.
Son of Dr. Matthew McKaile, author of several medical tracts. M.A., 1708 ;
M.D., 1711. Also regent in 1729, supra. Died 1733. Portrait of his father in
possession of University.
1734, June 6. James Gordon.
Son of Dr. John Gordon, physician in Aberdeen. M.A., 1724; M.D. Is
designated of Pitlurg. Died 1755. (Temple's Thanage of Fermartyn, p. 315.)
1755. Alexander Donaldson.
M.D. Previously professor of Oriental languages (infra), which post he held
in conjunction till his death, igth May, 1793.
1793, June 15. William Livingston.
Son of Dr. Thomas Livingston, physician, Aberdeen. M.D. The Faculty
had recommended Dr. George Skene. Livingston married, ist, Agnes Syme ;
2nd, Margaret Gibbon, without issue. Died 4th Oct., 1822.
1823, Jan. 24. Charles Skene.
Son of Professor George Skene. M.A., 1795 ; M.D., Edin., 1799. Lecturer
on anatomy, 1802. Married, i8th June, 1808, Margaret Ann Anderson, with
issue : Mary, George, Charles (M.A., 1830), Andrew, Margaret, Alexander,
Harriet, William. Resigned 2oth June, 1839. Died nth June, 1844. Portrait
by Colvin Smith in possession of University. (Skene Memorials.)
1832, Dec. 18. John Macrobin.
M.D., Edin., 1827. " Assistant to Dr. Charles Skene in the said office with all
the powers and privileges of a professor of medicine," but without explicit right
of succession. Macrobin had acted as assistant to Skene during session 1831-32,
but this appointment was made without the previous knowledge of Dr. Skene ;
and the Senatus, " believing this case to be entirely unprecedented in any Scot-
1 Chair founded by William, gth Earl Marischal, in 1700 : Vol. I., p. 381. The Rectorial
election of 1688 is held in the presence, inter alias, of " doctor William Moir, professor of
medicine ". In 1689 and 1690, he is styled " William Moir, doctor of medicine ".
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56 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
tish University, and thinking that evils would follow from its being drawn into
a precedent," made representations on the subject to the Home Secretary,
which were strongly supported by the Chancellor, the Duke of Gordon, but
without effect. (Lengthy minutes of Senatus, i3th Nov., 1832, to 4th July,
1833, printed in Appx. to Second Report of Commissioners of 1836-37, pp. 189-
197. See also Aberd. Mag., Dec., 1832.) On Skene's resignation in 1839,
Macrobin received a new presentation to the Chair, and was admitted accord-
ingly, 3rd Sept. The Senatus petitioned to have the name of the chair altered
to " Practice of Medicine," but this was not done. The change, however, was
made in 1860, on the union of the Universities, when Macrobin became Pro-
fessor of the Practice of Medicine in the University of Aberdeen. He married,
ist, Anna Hare Challoner, with issue : Mary, Anna Elizabeth, John Charles,
Andrew Arthur (M.A., 1863 ; M.B., 1866), Jane Henzell, Henrietta Nicolson,
Eleanor, Frances Louisa, Ellen Anna, Anna Hare Challoner ; 2nd, Eleanor
Isabella Cattle. He resigned 1875, and died 1879. Author of Introd. to study
of practical medicine, Lond., 1835. Portrait by Sir George Reid in possession
of University.
PROFESSORS OF ORIENTAL LANGUAGES.1
1732, Oct. 23. James Donaldson.
Physician in Aberdeen. Demitted 2nd Dec., 1754. Bajan 1713.
1754, Dec. 24. Alexander Donaldson.
Son of Dr. James Donaldson. Became also professor of medicine, supra.
Died igth May, 1793.
J794> Jan- JI' James Kidd.
Studied in the Universities of Pennsylvania and Edinburgh. Attended
Divinity Classes at Aberdeen during sessions 1794-98, and was licensed by the
Presbytery of Aberdeen, 1796. D.D., Princeton, 1819. Minister of quoad
sacra parish of Gilcomston, 1801. Married, Jean Boyd, \uith issue : Agnes
(m. James Oswald, shipmaster), Janet, William Campbell, Benjamin Rush,
Jane Allan, James Leith, Christiana Little (m. George Thompson, Jr., after-
wards lord provost and M.P.). Died 24th Dec., 1834. See Stark's Dr. Kidd
of Aberdeen, where a list of his writings will be found.
1832, March 6. Robert Simpson.
Assistant and successor to Professor Kidd, whom he had previously assisted
privately. M.A., King's Coll., 1815 ; Murray Lecturer, 183^32. Demitted
2ist Jan., 1837, on his appointment to the parish of Kintore. D.D., King's
Coll., 1856.
1835, Feb. 7. George Gordon McLean.
M.A., King's Coll., 1812; M.D., 1819; Murray Lecturer, 1826. Retired
1860, on the union of the Universities. Married, Frances Helen Angus.
1 Chair founded, 1727, by the Rev. Gilbert Ramsay, Barbadoes (portrait in possession
of University). The patronage was vested in the lairds of Balmam, failing whom the
Corporation of Aberdeen (see Vol. I., p. 412). As to earlier instruction in Hebrew, see
Vol. I., pp. 43, 264.
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PROFESSORS OF CHEMISTRY.1
1793, Dec. 14. George French.
Son of John French, advocate, and Christian, dau. of Thomas Blackwell,
gth Principal. M.D., 1786. Physician in Aberdeen. Designated first professor
in the will of Mrs. Blackwell, widow of his uncle, the nth Principal. Married,
Sarah Wellard, with issue : Christian Julia (m. Charles Ross, merchant).
Died i3th Aug., 1833. Portrait in possession of Medico-Chirurgical Society.
(Dingwall Fordyce Fam. Hist.}
1833, Nov. 12. Thomas Clark.
M.D., Glasg., 1831. This appointment caused much dissension. By Mrs.
Blackwell's deed of Foundation the Principal and professors were directed to
fill up vacancies by a comparative trial of candidates, but on 2ist Sept., 1827,
the Commissioners of 1826 expressed doubt as to the right of the principal and
professors to nominate, and directed them, in the event of a vacancy therein,
to intimate the same to the Commission if then in force. Intimation was sent
to the Secretary, but the Commissioners proved to have transmitted their final
report, and the faculty accordingly advertised the vacancy, and examiners
were selected — Professor Thomson, Glasgow ; Rev. A. J. Forsyth, Belhelvie ;
Professors Davidson, Skene, and Knight. Three candidates appeared :
Thomas Clark, William Henderson, M.A., M.D. (who had acted as
assistant to Professor French, and was afterwards Lecturer on Materia
Medica), and William Laing, M.A., M.D. (afterwards Lecturer on Sur-
gery). It was, however, objected that Clark being only M.D., had not
undergone the " regular academical education " required by the " deed of
foundation," and his admission as a candidate was carried only by the casting
vote of the Principal ; Professors Black, Glennie, Knight and Brown voting
against him. Prof. Knight thereupon declined to act as Examiner. On the
conclusion of the examination, which lasted for three days, the examiners
reported unanimously in favour of Clark. (Lengthy Minutes, 2oth Aug. to i2th
Nov., printed in Appx. to Second Report of 1836-37 Commissioners, pp. 212-
220.) In session 1842-43, Clark's health gave way, and, excepting a few
1 Chair founded, 1793, by Barbara Black, widow of Principal Thomas Blackwell. See
Vol. I., p. 461 ; also Dr. Bain's " History of Chemical teaching in Aberdeen " in Alma Mater,
Vol. VI., pp. 2, 12. 22, 39.
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PROFESSORS OF CHEMISTRY. 59
abortive attempts, he never lectured again. His class was conducted by a
series of substitutes : —
1843-45. John Shier, M.A., 1831 ; LL.D., 1845 ; Professor Davidson's as-
sistant (p. 48), 1838-41 ; Fordyce lecturer (p. 73), 1840-45. (Dr. Bain's Biog.
Mem.}
1845-47. Professor Andrew Fyfe, of King's College.
1847-52. John Smith, M.A., 1843 ; M.D., 1844 ; LL.D., 1876. Afterwards
Professor of Physics and Chemistry, University of Sydney.
1852. James Smith Brazier. Also substitute for Professor Fyfe in 1854, and
succeeded him as Professor of Chemistry in the University of Aberdeen in
1862.
Notwithstanding his persistent ill-health, Clark was able to devote con-
siderable attention to subjects of diverse character ; Water tests, University
tests, English style, Spelling reform, Historical origin of the Gospels ; on
which he issued numerous pamphlets. He made himself useful to the College
in the struggles that ended in the union of 1860. He married, 6th Febr., 1849,
Mary McEwen, with issue : Thomas (died young). He retired in 1860, and
died 27th Nov., 1867. (Dr. Bain's Biog. Mem. ; Alma Mater, Vol. VI.)
PROFESSOR OF CHURCH HISTORY.
1833, June 18. Daniel Dewar.
" On a presentation he had obtained from the Crown without the privity of
the College" (Knight). Principal in previous year, p. 30.
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PROFESSOR OF SURGERY.1
5th November. William Pirrie.
M.A., 1825; M.D., Edm., 1829; LL.D., Edin., 1875. Lecturer, 1830.
Professor of Surgery, University of Aberdeen, 1860. Married, Mary Rose
Matthews, with issue : Mary Rose (m. William Simpson, M.D., 1859), William
(M. A., 1854, M.D., 1857), George (Capt., Madras S.C.), Helen Lumsden, Anna
Jane, Georgiana Isabella, Alexander, James Miller Gordon (M.D., 1878).
Retired 1882. Died 2ist Nov., 1882. Author of Principles and Practice of
Surgery, Lond., 1852, etc.; and (with Wm. Keith) of Acupressure, Lond., 1867.
(Notice by present editor in Diet. Nat. Biog.)
1 See Vol. I., p. 524.
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PROFESSORS OF ANATOMY.
, 5th November. Allen Thomson.
M.D., Edin., 1830. Demitted iyth Aug., 1841, on appointment to chair ot
Anatomy, Glasgow.
1841, Sept. 8. Alexander Jardine Li^ars.
F.R.C.S. Ed., 1831. Professor of Anatomy, University of Aberdeen, 1860.
Retired 1863. Married, ist, Elizabeth Home, with issue, Eliza Home ; 2nd,
Mary Macdowall. Author of Elements of Anatomy, Edin., 1844, etc. Died
1866.
1 See Vol. I., p. 524.
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PROFESSORS OF HUMANITY.1
1841, July 3. John Stuart Blackie.
Student at Marischal College (1821-24 and 1826-29), at Edinburgh (1824-26
and 1832-34), and at Gottingen, Berlin and Rome. The circumstances attend-
ing Blackie's presentation and admission are detailed in Vol. I., 520-3, and
by Dr. Bain in Free Press of 28th April, 1890. Demitted igth April, 1852, on
appointment to the Greek chair, Edinburgh. Married, igth April, 1842, Eliza
Wyld. Died 1894. Portrait in great window, Mitchell Hall, Mar. Coll. (Life
by Stoddart, and by Kennedy : latter with list of writings.)
1852, May 17. Robert Maclure.
LL.D., Glasg., 1837. Professor of Humanity, University of Aberdeen, 1860.
Married, Elizabeth May Richards. Died 1868. Author of Praxis on Latin
Moods, Lond., 1839.
1 See Vol. I., p. 520. References to instruction in Latin are found at earlier dates.
1593. By the Foundation Charter the three Regents are to teach Latin, which language
(or Greek) all students are enjoined to use. (Vol. I., pp. 43, 54.)
1620-24. " David Wedderburne, maister of the grammer schoole . . . fo give a lessoun
of humanitie anes everie weeke." (I., 185 ; Lachrymae of 1623 and 1635.)
l^5°-55- John Forbes, styled professor of humanitie in the College accounts. After-
wards Humanist at King's College. (I., 270.)
1653. The Town Council grant the use of the aisle of the Grey Friar's Kirk for the
humanity class.
1 660-6 1. George Whyte, styled humanist.
1696-98. George Gordon, styled professor of languages. Son of late Patrick Gordon,
humanist of King's College.
1826, June 16. James Melvin, Rector of the Grammar School, appointed to teach a
humanity class. M.A., 1813; LL.D., 1834. On 28th Oct., 1839, he was requested to con-
tinue teaching " until a Professor of Humanity be admitted," and this he did during sessions
1839-40 and 1840-41. Died 28th June, 1853. Portrait by Cassie, in possession of Grammar
School, reproduced in this volume, in the Melvin Window, King's College, and the great
window, Mitchell Hall, Marischal College. (Masson's James Melvin, Aberd., 1895.)
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PROFESSOR OF MEDICAL LOGIC, AND MEDICAL
JURISPRUDENCE.1
1857, November 21. Francis Ogston.
M.A., Mar. Coll., 1821 ; M.D., Edin., 1824 J LL.D., Aberd., 1885. Lecturer
on Medical Jurisprudence since 1839, p. 69 ; Professor of the same in the
University of Aberdeen, 1860. Married, Amelia Cadenhead, with issue : Jane
(m. Rev. Henry Cowan, aftds. D.D., Prof, of Church Hist.), Alexander (M.D.,
1866, Prof, of Surgery, 1882), Francis, M.B., 1873 (Lecturer, Univ. of Otago),
Helen Milne. Retired 1883. Died 25th September, 1887. Author of Lectures
on Med. Jurispr., Lond., r878, etc. (Fam. of Ogston. Fani. of Cadenhead.}
1 See Vol. I., p. 529.
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LECTURERS IN MEDICAL SCHOOL.
I8O2,1 Sept. 24. Charles Skene, lecturer on Anatomy.
M.A., 1795 ; M.D., Edin., 1799. Professor of Medicine, 1823, P- 55-
1811, Nov. i. William Dyce, lecturer on Midwifery.
Alumnus, 1783. M.D., King's Coll., 1797. Father of William Dyce, R.A.,
and of Robert Dyce, M.D., Lecturer, 1841, Prof, of Midwifery, 1860. Portrait
in possession of his son-in-law, Rev. Dr. David Brown, Principal of the F. C.
Coll., Aberdeen.
1 A few references may be collected to courses of instruction in Medicine at an earlier
date : —
1741, Sept. 4. Part of the new building is called the " Anatomical Hall ". (Min.)
1758, Oct. 17. Dr. John Gregory and Dr. David Skene advertise classes for Medicine
and Midwifery. (Aberd. Journal.) " Notwithstanding the deservedly high reputation of these
two gentlemen, their endeavours did not meet with that encouragement which might have
been expected, owing entirely to certain unlucky differences, subsisting at that time amongst
the : physicians here, who rather discouraged the scheme in general, and some entirely pre-
vented their pupils from attending." (Coll. of Papers, 1787, p. 188.)
1759, Jan. 9. Kirk Session of Old Machar emit a long and strong edict about the
ignorance of midwives, and recommend Dr. Skene's midwifery class. (Aberd. jfl.)
1770. Professor Thomas Gordon's scheme of Union contemplates a Professor of Ana-
tomy in addition to a Professor of Medicine. (Coll. of Papers.)
1782, Feb. 4. Dr. William Chalmers announces a " Medical Academy " comprehending
Medicine, Midwifery, and in Summer Botany. " The virtues of medicines, and the most
elegant and effectual methods of compounding and prescribing them will be delivered and
reduced to practice." (Aberd. Jl.) Next month Dr. Chalmers becomes Mediciner at King's
College, and nothing more is heard of a wish to teach.
1786. In the Union controversy the formation of a Medical School is held out as a
principal inducement. (Coll. of Papers.)
1786, Oct. 23. Dr. French and Dr. Livingston (afterwards Professors) propose a six
months' course of clinical lectures at the Infirmary. (Aberd. yi.)
1789, Dec. 15. Aberdeen Medical (afterwards Medico-Chirurgical) Society, founded by
twelve medical students. (Mrs. Rodger's Aberd. Doctors.)
1790. Mr. James Russel offers a course of Clinical Surgery at the Infirmary, to open
" in the beginning of November along with the medical classes in the University ".
1793, Oct. 21. Professor Livingston announces a course of lectures. " Did not suc-
ceed." (Knight.)
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66 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
1818, Mar. 27. George Barclay, lecturer on Surgery.
M.A., 1809 ; M.D., Edin., 1812. Died 1820.
William Henderson, lecturer on Materia Medica.
Caskieben. M.A., 1809 ; M.D., Edin., 1813. See p. 68.
1818, Nov. 10. Alexander Ewing, lecturer on Physiology in the Joint
School.1
Tertowie. M.A., King's Coll., 1810 ; M.D., Edin., 1815. Married, Miss
McCombie, Easter Skene, and was father of Lieut-Col. Alex. Ewing, husband
of Miss J. H. Gatty.
Appointed by King's Coll., 3ist Oct., and now confirmed under Regulation 4.
1 " MARISCHAL COLLEGE, yd April, 1818.
" It being suggested to the Faculty that a Medical School on an extended plan, and
under the patronage of both Universities, might now be established ; they unanimously
approve of the measure, and desire their Clerk to write a letter to the Principal and Professors
of King's College, requesting a meeting with them, to take the proposal into consideration
and, if approved of, to take the necessary steps for carrying it into effect."
" MARISCHAL COLLEGE, igth May, 1818.
"The Report of the Committee of both Colleges relative to the appointment of Medical
Lecturers having been laid before the Faculty and read, they unanimously approve of the
same and order it to be recorded in their minutes, whereof the tenor follows : —
"Aberdeen, May 16, 1818. — At a Meeting of the Committees of King's and Marischal
Colleges, to arrange a plan for the establishment of a Medical School, held at Marischal
College, i6th May, the following regulations were suggested, as most consistent with the con-
stitution of the Colleges, and best adapted to promote the institution, which, under the joint
patronage of the two Universities, may attain a greater character, and be more extensively
useful, than it could if only supported by one of them.
" i. Both Universities to have equal power over the Medical School.
" 2. Courses of Lectures to be given, during the Winter Session, on the following sub-
jects : — Anatomy, Animal Economy, Surgery, Practice of Physic, Theory of Physic, Materia
Medica, Clinical Medicine, and Midwifery, and a course of Lectures on Botany during the
Summer.
" 3. Lecturers on these subjects to be appointed or confirmed before the ensuing Session,
or when the state of the School shall be thought to require this nomination.
" 4. As the appointment of the Lecturers by a general meeting of both Colleges, having
no corporate capacity, might not be deemed valid by the separate Faculties, it is proposed that
the nomination to the Lectureships shall belong alternately to each, neither appointing twice
successively to the same Lectureship, and that the appointment thus made by one College
shall be confirmed by the other ; both Faculties entering a regulation in their minutes, binding
themselves to this mode of alternate nomination and mutual confirmation.
" 5. Lecturers having been named by Marischal College on Anatomy, Surgery, and
Materia Medica, before the present plan of joint patronage was thought of, it is recommended
that these appointments should in the meantime be confirmed by King's College, and that
LECTURERS IN MEDICAL SCHOOL. 67
1819, Dec. 10. Robert White : Institutes of Medicine.
Appointed by King's Coll., for one year, i8th Oct. Resigned 2gth June, 1820.
1820, Sept. 25. Patrick Blaikie : Surgery.
M.A., 1808 ; M.D., 1814. Appointed by King's Coll., 28th Aug. Died 27th
February, 1830 : his winter course finished by Alexander Cromar, House-
Surgeon, Infirmary.
1823, Aug. 29. Alexander Ewing : Anatomy.
Appointed by King's Coll., i6th Aug. Demitted 1830.
1826, Nov. 14. Alexander Fraser : Midwifery.
M.A., 1808. Appointed by King's Coll., 6th Nov. M.D., King's Coll., 1845.
1827, April 9. William Knight : Botany.1
Professor of Natural Philosophy, p. 48. Appointment made by the Joint
Committee. Knight had taught a private Botanical Class in 1811-13, ^S*
1816, 1823-26. Demitted 1840.
the first nomination to the vacant Lectureships should proceed from the Faculty of King's
College, and be confirmed by Marischal College.
" 6. In case the Professors of Medicine of the Colleges should at any time wish to give
Courses of Lectures, it will be advisable to reserve the Theory and Practice of Physic for them,
the choice of either subject lying with the Professor that first undertakes the duty of lecturing.
The appointment of Lecturers on these subjects may therefore be considered as ad interim.
" 7. Should any of the Lecturers allow a Session to pass without giving a regular
Course, his appointment is to be declared void, unless he shall have been prevented from
doing so by bad health, or such reasons as may be deemed satisfactory by the College with
which the next nomination to his lectureship lies.
" 8. After the first nominations, when a va'cancy is to be supplied in any of the estab-
lished Courses, the College whose turn it is shall appoint a Lecturer within six months after
the vacancy has occurred ; two meetings of the Faculty having been held, at a month's interval,
to consider the best mode of supplying it, and the claims of different candidates.
" 9. To facilitate the arrangements necessary in opening and conducting the different
Courses, it is recommended that a Standing Committee be appointed by each of the Faculties,
to co-operate in superintending and promoting the objects of the Institution ; and that a Report
of the state of the Medical School be made at least once a year, by this Joint Committee, to
a General Meeting of the Faculties of both Universities."
1 1780, May 6. Rev. Robert Memis is granted £6 per annum for three years towards
formation of a botanic garden. (See also T. C. Rt'g., Ixiv., 196, 230.)
1782. Dr. William Chalmers includes instruction in botany in his scheme of a Medical
Academy. (Aberd. JL, 4th Feb.) Never carried into effect.
1787. Mr. Memis advertises a class in Theory and Practice of Botany. (Aberd. Jl.,
i5th May.)
1792. Rev. Alexander Smith advertises a class. (Aberd. Jl., ijth May; T. C. Reg.,
Ixvi., 249; Ixvii., 56.) Continued yearly till 1799, when he became minister of Chapel ol
Garioch. D.D., 1814.
1801-10. Professor James Beattie taught a class. Number 10 to 20.
1817-22. No regular class. Attempts made by several of Professor Knight's students,
ColHe, Andrew Mackay, William McGillivray.
68 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
1828, Dec. 2. James Torrie : Institutes of Medicine.
M.D., King's Coll., 1823. Confirmed by King's Coll., 6th Dec. Demitted 1831.
1830, April 3. Alexander Ewing : Surgery.
Confirmed by King's Coll., i6th Apr. " 1834, March 15. Some of Dr.
Ewing's students prosecute him before the Sheriff for £8 6s. 8d. damage in
bilking them of ^ of a course of surgery. He began Nov. 4 and their ruffing,
which he mistook for applause, made him end 12 March, giving only 58 meet-
ings, of which only 41 available in a certificate, 17 being examinations. He
had been absent 27 times, besides raising his fee from 2 to 3 guineas. The
action before Sheriff Watson amuses the public and frightens him ; he re-
sumes teaching, gets the Principal to go with him to his class, where Dewar
blames him in his own presence. In Ayril he terminates, turns restive, and
sends long letters to the Senatus, wishing to know whether they account his
course complete now : to which such answers as they deserved were sent.
Dr. Ewing's class had been most disorderly, a subject being sometimes placed
in the desk." (Knight.) Demitted 21 Aug., 1834.
1830, May 8. William Pirrie : Anatomy and Physiology.
Confirmed by King's Coll., i4th May. Professor of Surgery, 1839, p. 61.
1830, Nov. i. William Laing : Clinical Medicine.
M.D., 1824, and Edin., 1827. Confirmed by King's Coll., 2Oth Nov.
1831, Nov. 25. John Geddes : Institutes of Medicine.
Appointed by King's Coll., igth Nov. .
1834, Sept. 26. William Laing : Surgery.
Appointed by King's Coll., i6th Sept.
1837, Jan. 10. Alexander Murray: Clinical Medicine.
M.A., 1816; M.D., Edin., 1828.
William Laing: Clinical Surgery.
Appointed by the Managers of the Infirmary, 2nd Jan., and confirmed by
Mar. Coll.
1839, Sept. 3. William Henderson : lecturer on Materia Medica in
Marischal College.1
1 On 4th October, 1838, the Senatus of King's College declined to consent to the appear-
ance of the advertisement of the classes of the Joint Medical School which had been annually
sanctioned for the twelve preceding years. This refusal was mainly based on the contention
that the King's College Senatus should have been consulted as to the amount of accommoda-
tion allotted to Medical Classes in the new buildings of Marischal College, in terms of Article
10 in the agreement entered into by the Universities in 1818, as recorded in the Minutes of
King's College, on 6th July of that year, viz. : —
" 10. An equal number of classes to be taught at each University, if required, and deemed
expedient by either. In the mean time, as a room has been built at Marischal College for the
Anatomical Lectures, and as great difficulties attending the due supply of preparations, etc.,
would be increased, by changing the place of teaching, the Anatomical Course may be given
LECTURERS IN MEDICAL SCHOOL. 69
See p. 66. Robert Rattray, M.D., King's Coll., 1845, substitute, session
1845-46.
Francis Ogston : Medical Jurisprudence.
Professor, 1857, P- °4-
Alexander Harvey : Institutes of Medicine.
Hon. M.A., 1849 ; M.D., Edin., 1835. Did not begin to lecture till 1840-41.
(Min. of 2gth Oct., 1839.) Lecturer, King's Coll., 1849. Professor of Materia
Medica, Univ. of Aberd., 1860. Bust in possession of University.
Sept. 30. William McKinnon : Comparative Anatomy.
M.A., 1832; M.D., Edin., 1836. Demitted 8th Feb., 1840, on election "to
an Institution in Edinburgh ".
Oct. 30. James Jamieson : Midwifery.
L.R.C.S. Ed. Resigned in bad health, 2gth April, 1841.
1840, April 4. John Shier : Botany.
M.A., 1831 ; LL.D., 1845. Assistant to Professor Davidson, and Fordyce
Lecturer on Agriculture. Biog. sketch by Professor Bain in Trans., Aberd.
Phil. Soc., Vol. I. Appointment became void next year, when Professor
Macgillivray undertook to teach a Botanical Class. See p. 73.
at Marischal College — the other Courses at King's or Marischal Colleges, as may be agreed
on by the Committee."
This entry did not appear in the corresponding Marischal College Minute of igth May,
1818, but was duly intimated by King's College to the Commissioners of 1826-30. (Evidence,
IV., 180.)
On 2oth November, 1838, Mar. Coll. resolved to enquire of King's Coll. " whether they
possess any original paper from which the regulations in their minute of 6th July, 1818, were
copied ". King's Coll. not unnaturally resented this enquiry as equivalent to demanding a
proof that their records " had not been vitiated ". A copy of the ten regulations in the hand-
writing of Dr. Skene was produced by King's Coll. ; but " only two gentlemen who had a
share in the business of this [Marischal] University in 1818 are now alive and their recollec-
tions do not supply any information respecting the tenth article ".
On nth April, 1839, the King's Coll. Senatus unanimously resolved "that all connection
with the Marischal College in reference to the Medical School shall cease from and after the
close of the Session," it being " inexpedient and even dangerous to maintain any further inter-
course with Marischal College respecting the Medical School, when the letter and spirit of
the original agreement have been so palpably violated ". The Mar. Coll. Senatus, while
denying " the allegation that they have violated either the letter or the spirit of the original
agreement," and finding " a much nearer resemblance to a violation of that agreement in the
refusal by members of King's College or its Senatus to sanction the usual advertisement of
the Medical Classes," unanimously resolved, on nth July, " that the agreement entered into
by the two Colleges in 1818 in regard to the Medical School and all the arrangements de-
pending upon that agreement are terminated ". Extracts from their Records were printed by
both Colleges.
70 MARISCHAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY.
1841, June 21. Robert Dyce : Midwifery.
M.A'., 1816. ; M.D., 1821. Professor, Univ. of Aberd., 1860.
1845, Nov. 8. Robert Jamieson : Mental Diseases.
M.A., 1835 ; M.D., Edin., 1839. Not a permanent lectureship.
1849, July 7- George Ogilvie : Institutes of Medicine.
M.A., 1838 ; M.D., Edin., 1842. Professor of Physiology, Univ. of Aberd.,
1860. Afterwards George Ogilvie-Forbes of Boyndlie.
1849, Sept. 20. John Forbes Ogilvie : Insanity.
M.A., 1840 ; M.D., Edin., 1844. Not a permanent lectureship.
1853, April 8. Wyville Thomson : Botany.
On the death of Professor Macgillivray, Professor Nicol preferring not to
teach Botany. Mr. Thomson had been lecturer on Botany in King's Coll.
since 1851. Afterwards Professor in Cork, Belfast, and Edinburgh. Knighted
1876.
1854, April 17. William Rhind : Botany.
1855, February 10. Robert Beveridge : Botany.
M.A., 1843 ; M.B., 1847.
LECTURERS ON SCOTS LAW1 AND
CONVEYANCING.
1819, Oct. 4. Andrew Robertson.
Advocate in Aberdeen, 1803. Had been nominated by the Society of
Advocates, 2ist Jan., 1819. Demitted isth Sept., 1821, on appointment as
Sheriff-substitute of Forfarshire.
1821, Nov. i. Alexander Thomson.
M.A., 1813. Advocate in Aberdeen, 1818. Had been nominated by the
Society, 2oth Sept., 1821. Resigned 2ist May, 1828.
1828, June 24. James Edmond.
Alumnus, 1811. Advocate in Aberdeen, 1821. Had been nominated by the
Society, yth June, 1828. Resigned 2ist January, 1843. Brother of Francis
Edmond, long legal adviser to the University.
1843, Mar. ii. George Grub.
M.A., King's Coll., 1856 (Class of 1829) ; LL.D., Aberd., 1864. Advocate
in Aberdeen, 1836. Had been nominated by the Society, loth Feb., 1843.
Became, in 1860, Substitute for Professor Patrick Davidson, Civilist in
King's Coll., since 1833, and on his death, in 1881, succeeded to the Chair
of Law. Retired 1891. Died 1892. Author of Eccles. Hist, of Scotland,
Edinb., 1861 ; etc. Portrait by Sir George Reid in possession of University.
1 Lectureship founded by the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. See Vol. I., p. 489.
Their request to grant the title of" Professor " is taken ad avizandum by the Faculty. David
Verner, Regent, had taught Law in 1724, and Francis Skene in 1766, pp. 40, 44.
(71)
LECTURERS ON PRACTICAL RELIGION.1
1825, June 9. William Laurence Brown.
Principal, p. 30. His Introductory Lecture, delivered 22nd Nov., "before the
honourable the magistrates of the city, a considerable number of the clergy,
all the professors, lecturers and students, of every denomination, of Marischal
College, and many most respectable gentlemen inhabitants," printed, Aberd.,
1826.
1830, Novemb. 12. Robert James Brown.
Professor of Greek, p. 49. Nominated by Trustees, 3oth Oct.
1831, Novemb. 18. Alexander Black.
Professor of Divinity, p. 52. Nominated by Trustees, 2gth Oct.
1844, January 6. William Robinson Pirie.
Professor of Divinity, p. 52. Nominated by Trustees, 2nd January.
1 Lectureship founded by John Gordon of Murtle. See Vol. I., p. 489.
(72)
LECTURERS ON AGRICULTURE.1
1840, March 2. John Shier.
Substitute for Professor Davidson, pp. 48, 69.
1845, Nov. 29. Professor Andrew Fyfe.
King's Coll. At same time substitute for Prof. Clark, pp. 58-9.
1846-47. Vacant.
1848, June 17. John Smith.
Substitute for Professor Clark.
1852. Vacant.
, June 20. James Smith Brazier.
Substitute for Professor Clark. Acted as lecturer down to the union of
the Colleges, and thereafter for two Sessions, when he became Professor of
Chemistry.
1 Lectureship founded by Sir William Fordyce. See Vol. I., p. 452.
(73)
LIBRARIANS.1
1632, Feb. 8. Robert Downy.
Appointed by the Town Council. Son of William Downy, Banchory, and
nephew of Secretary Thomas Reid (p. 31). M.A., King's Coll., 1623 '•> M-D.
(Scott's Fasti). Minister of Futtie, 165-. Died 1663. Author of Scotorum
Elogiunt; Aberd., 1641, and Verses in Forbes' Funerals ; also (ace. to Cat.
Scot. Writ.) of Poems dedicated to the Earl of Kinnoul.
1663, Nov. 4. David Gregory.
Of Kinnairdie, son of John Gregory of Drumoak. Sec Table of Gregory
family in Vol. I., p. 203. Bajan, 1641.
1669, Jan. 9. Thomas Gray.
Regent, p. 37. Appointed by the Council. Drew up the earliest extant
Catalogue.
1673, Oct. 30. Robert Paterson.
Regent, p. 37. Appointed by the College.
1717, Oct. 18. Thomas Blackwell.
The younger. Professor of Greek, 1723, p. 42. Presentation to be biblio-
thecar all the days of his father's life, signed by Principal and four regents.
" Shewn me by Mrs. C. Ross " (Knight. See 5. N. and (X, V., 187).
1729. Matthew McKaile.
Regent in this year, p. 43. Styled keeper of Library in Min. of 24th Apr.,
when every M.A. is enjoined to pay £4 Scots to the Library.
1733. Thomas Reid.
Great-great-great-grandson of Robert, elder brother of Secretary Thomas
Reid. M.A., 1726; D.D., 1762. Minister of New Machar, 1737; Regent,
King's Coll., 1751 ; Prof, of Mor. Phil., Glasgow, 1764. Portrait by Raeburn
in possession of Mr. A. J. Forbes Leith of Fyvie, reproduced in this volume,
and in the great window, Mitchell Hall, Mar. Coll. (Diet. Nat. Biog.)
I737- Jonn Skene.
M.A., 1733. Younger brother of Professor Francis Skene (Skene Memorials).
Dismissed in 1750 as " guilty of very great negligence": Prof. Skene, his
cautioner, to pay the value of books lost.
1 See Vol. I., p. 200 ; also the present editor's Hist. Notes on the Libraries of the
Universities of Aberdeen, Aberd., 1893. Principal Dun seems to have acted as custodian of
the Liddell and Reid Collections till 1632.
(74)
LIBRARIANS. 75
1750. Professor Francis Skene.
1754, yth March. The four regents to be Librarians for three years each, in
order of seniority, on account of the smallness of their salaries ; but Prof.
Skene to retain office for seven years " until he be indemnified for the loss he
has incurred ".
1761. Professor Alexander Gerard.
1764. Professor William Kennedy.
1767. Professor George Skene.
1770. Professor James Beattie.
1773. Professor Francis Skene (d. I3th Feb., 1775).
1775. Professor William Kennedy.
1778. Professor George Skene.
1781. Professor James Beattie.
1784. Professor Robert Hamilton.
1787. Professor John Stuart.
1791. Professor James Beattie, Junr.
1794. Professor James Beattie.
1796. Professor Robert Hamilton.
1799. Professor John Stuart.
1802. Professor James Beattie, Junr.
1805. Professor George Glennie.
1808. Professor Robert Hamilton.
1811. Professor John Stuart.
1814. Professor George Glennie.
1817. Professor James Davidson.
1820. Professor Robert Hamilton.
1823. Professor John Stuart.
1826. Professor George Glennie.
1829. Professor James Davidson.
1832. Professor William Knight.
1835. Professor Robert James Brown.
1838. Professor George Glennie.
1841. Professor William Knight.
Superintended the transference of the books to the new Library, and began
a new MS. Catalogue.
1844-60. Professor John Cruickshank.
In 1845, paid £45 for trouble in rearranging books. In 1851, reported that
he had spent 1200 hours in arranging books after the fire of 1845, and in com-
pleting the Catalogue begun by Professor Knight.
SACRISTS.1
1595. Andrew Leslie.
" Portar of the college ... to ring ilk Wednesday at tua houris efter none
the Gray Freris bell." (T. C. Reg., xxxvi., 436.)
1652. John Thomson.
Porter. Stipend or fee, £16 scots (Accts.).
1653-61. Thomas Anderson.
Porter. Stipend, £16 scots (Accts.).
1678. William Gordon.
Porter. Stipend, £13 6s. (Accts.). His relict, Margaret Hastie, receives
several sums, 1686-7.
1684, Oct. 29. William Main.
" At the Marischall Colledge 29 Oct 1684
" The which day compeired William Main, Bouer, burges of Abd, and pro-
duced an presentation from an noble and potent lord George Earle Marischall,
Lord Keith and Altrie, undoubted patron of the sd. Colledge, to be Janitor in
the sd. Colledge ; the which presentation the Prinll. and Regents did accept,
and having found him qualified for the sd. office and given him the oath de
fideli administratione, did admitt him to the sd. office and to all the profeits
therof. In witnes wherof we have subt. thir pnts wt. our hands tyme and
place forsd
(Bulk of Reg.) " [siSned] Ro Paterson, principall."
In 1697, Main is designated Sacrist. A year after he was appointed
Janitor, we find him mortifying some house property towards the support
of a bursar of his own kin, the augmentation of the salaries of the Principal
and Regents, and the reparation of the fabric of the College (Vol. I., p. 328).
John Davidson appears, 1688-1720, as " porter," a term now used to denote
the sacrist's subordinate; so Alexander Brebner, under-porter, 1706-20, and
porter, 1720-47. John Gibb, porter, 1747-53. Other under-porters were :
James Walker, 1709; Peter Robertson, 1713; James Silver, 1739; Samuel
Duncan, 1744.
1719. William Fowler.
Died 1753.
1 This term does not occur in the Foundation Charter, but every student is directed to
pay two shillings yearly to the " communis apparitor " or " bedellus ",
(76)
SACRISTS.
77
1753, April 10. John Gibb.
Died 1788. (See an amusing elegy in Caledonian Mag., March, 1789.)
Robert Duncan, porter 1753-81 ; John Arthur, porter 1781-88.
1788, Sept. 6. John Arthur.
Died 1808. George Pirie, porter 1788-1808. Election of sacrist and porter
in future to be annual.
1808, Feb. 26. George Pirie.
Died 1837, " a good servant" (Knight). James Bain, porter 1808, "repri-
manded and cautioned 1815," " general conduct complained of and repro-
bated " 1819, "unanimously dismissed" 1826. James Diack, porter 1826-
1837-
1837, Sept. 16. James Diack.
Died 1843. John Cooper, porter 1837-43, had been sub-porter 1836-7.
1843, April 7. John Cooper.
Died 1873. John Colvin, porter 1843, succeeded Cooper as Sacrist at
Marischal College in 1873 ; at King's Coll., 1879 ; resigned 1891 ; died 1895 ;
portrait by A. D. Reid in possession of University. (See "John" his pilgrimage
and his portrait, Aberd., 1892.) The reign of John Cooper and John Colvin
extended over fifty-four years ; that of John Thomson, John Smith, and
John Begg, at King's College, over sixty-six years; so that the name John
came to be regarded as a generic vocative for all college servants.
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