John
Anderson
1726-1796
John
Anderson was born in Dunbartonshire in 1726. He was educated
at Glasgow University, and later (1756) became the Professor
for Oriental Languages there, before taking up the chair of
Natural Philosophy (or physics as it is now known) in 1760.
Anderson
was interested in the practical applications of scientific
theory - he erected the first lightening conductor in Glasgow
on one of the university's steeples, and acquired an early
Newcomen steam engine which - after Anderson asked him to
repair it - sparked James Watt's ideas on a more efficient
approach to steam engines. Anderson even presented a cannon
made to his own design to the revolutionary French government,
while on a visit to France in 1791!
An
excellent teacher, Anderson took pleasure in educating non-students
and working class folk in the physical sciences, in addition
to his normal classes. This radical attitude did not please
his fellow professors and the university authorities however,
and he often found himself in disputes (and occasionally even
lawsuits) as a result. His unusual views earned him the nickname
"Jolly Jack Phosphorous" among his students. His
support of the university students when they presented a petition
to parliament, complaining of the university staff's laziness,
did not help relations with his colleagues much.
Anderson's
wishes for after his death were in-keeping with the revolutionary
attitude he held while alive. His will, drawn up in May 1795,
set out plans for an 'alternative university' - an institution
'for the good of mankind and the improvement of science'.
It was to be known as Anderson's University, and was to be
managed by 81 trustees with occupations ranging from farmers
to lawyers. Although Anderson's estate did not hold sufficient
for such a grand plan, nevertheless the trustees managed to
open an institution on a limited scale in June 1796. The new
institution began by teaching only natural philosophy and
chemsitry at first, but eventually expanded to become what
is today's University of Strathclyde.
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