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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 January 2009
Professor Thomson had been a typical Scottish ‘lad o’ pairts'. Deservant of repute as teacher, scientist, editor and historian, his most distinctive achievements were in scientific journalism and propaganda. These were powerfully exhibited in the interests of Dalton's Atomism and of Prout's Hypothesis—and in university politics.
His work for Chambers' Encyclopaedia and for Nicholson's Journal was influential and effective. His textbooks gained an international esteem and each successive edition was kept up to date.
Much of his professional outlook and experience is expressed in his History of Chemistry (2 vols. 1830–31). Researches in his old Department at Glasgow on his choice and use of material provide the main topics of this Address. These volumes are still important.
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2 These were undergraduates in the Chemistry Department, The University, Glasgow, who chose a research topic in History of Chemistry during their final year.
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8 Glasgow Herald, 5 November 1830, 21 February 1831.
9 Vol. I on p. 66 has ‘perfecly’; on p. 96 has ‘Herodus’ for Herodotus; on p. 115 has Mortucla' for Montucla; etc.
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