Biography of Robert Dick Jnr

Robert Dick Jnr was the son of Robert Dick, the Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University. He succeed his father to the Chair in 1751.

Dick matriculated to study at the University in 1739 and graduated MA in 1744 and MD in 1751. According to the University's historians James Coutts and David Murray, Joseph Black described Dick as "one of the most manly and sensible fellows he ever knew". He took a keen interest in the career of James Watt, securing for him a place in a London workshop where he could learn the arts of instrument making, employing him in 1756 to repair astronomical instruments for the new Macfarlane Observatory, and securing his appointment as the University's mathematical instrument maker.

Summary

Robert Dick Jnr
Natural Philosopher
Born 1722.
Died 22 May 1757.
University Link: Graduate, Professor
GU Degrees: MA, 1744; MD, 1751;
Occupation categories: natural philosophers; physicians
Record last updated: 23rd Jul 2009

University Connections

University Roles

• Graduate [View Robert Dick Jnr's record in the list of graduates]
• Professor

Academic Posts

Professorships:

• Natural Philosophy