Alexander Christison

Prof Alexander Christison FRSE (1751–1820) was a Scottish educator and mathematician of influence during the Scottish Enlightenment.

For his physician grandson, see Sir Alexander Christison.

The grave of Alexander Christison, Greyfriars Kirkyard

Life

He was born in 1753, at Redpath House, Longformacus, Berwickshire. He was the eldest of seven children to a tenant sheep-farmer in the Lammermuir Hills.[1]

After a local education he began employment as the local schoolteacher for the parish of Edrom before being inspired to attend the University of Edinburgh to study Classics, graduating in 1775. This background gave him access to teach at a higher calibre of school and he taught both at George Watson’s College, Dalkeith Grammar School and the High School in Edinburgh.[2] In the 1780s he lived at Alexander's Land in the Bristo area.[3]

In 1797 he was living at 144 Nicolson Street.[4]

He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1800 his main proposer being the physician, James Gregory. The University of Edinburgh granted him a further degree (MA) in 1806, and from that date he served as Professor of Humanity at the University, a role he continued until death.

At the end of his life he is listed as living at 4 Argyll Square with his son James Christison, advocate.[5] Argyll Square was demolished in the mid 19th century to build the Royal Scottish Museum.

He died in Edinburgh on 25 June 1820 and is buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard in the city centre. He is buried in the plot of Professor George Dunbar at the north-west section of the western extension. He is also memorialised on Robert Christison's grave at New Calton.

Family

Christison's son was the noted Scottish toxicologist Sir Robert Christison. His grandson was Sir Alexander Christison.

Publications
  • On the General Diffusion of Knowledge (1802) in which he said "genius is no respecter of ranks"

References
  1. "Classics & Class » Alexander Christison: The Lammermuir Latinist".
  3. Edinburgh and Leith Post Office Directory 1784-1785
  4. Williamsons Directory 1797
  5. Edinburgh and Leith Post Office Directory 1816-17


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