David Doig facts for kids
David Doig (born 1719, died 1800) was a very smart Scottish teacher, language expert, and writer. He was known for his books about history and ideas. For 40 years, from 1760 to 1800, he was the head teacher, or Rector, of Stirling High School. It's also believed that David Doig created the famous tartan pattern that is now used by the brand Burberry.
Contents
David Doig's Life Story
David Doig was born on February 14, 1719, in a place called Mill of Melgund in Scotland. His father was a small farmer who passed away when David was a baby. His mother later got married again.
David was very good at school. He won a special scholarship (like a grant for students) to study at the University of St. Andrews because he was so good at Latin. After finishing his studies in classical languages and philosophy, he started to learn about religion. However, he decided not to become a minister in the Church of Scotland.
Teaching Career
From 1749, David Doig taught in local schools in places like Monifieth and Falkland, Fifeshire. He became very well-known for his teaching skills. Because of his great reputation, he was chosen to be the Rector (head teacher) of the grammar school in Stirling. He held this important job for more than 40 years!
Besides knowing Greek and Latin very well, David Doig also learned Hebrew and Arabic. He was truly a language expert.
Awards and Recognition
- The University of Glasgow gave him an honorary degree called LL.D. This means he was recognized for his achievements, even without doing a specific course there.
- On the same day, he received his M.A. (Master of Arts) diploma from the University of St. Andrews.
- He was also chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers.
- He became a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, which is a group interested in old things and history.
David Doig passed away in Stirling on March 16, 1800, when he was 81 years old. He is buried in the Holy Rude Cemetery, which is right next to Stirling Castle.
A special plaque was put up to remember him by his friend, John Ramsay of Ochtertyre. The town of Stirling also put up a marble monument with a Latin message that David Doig himself had written.
David Doig's Family
David Doig married Isabella Janet Bower in Monifieth on November 17, 1749.
They had several children: Isabella, Ann, Jean, David, George, and Patrick. Their daughter Isabella (1751-1819) married Dr. John Aird. Their son Patrick Doig (1762-1833) later became a medical doctor.
David Doig's Writings
David Doig was a busy writer. His first known printed work was some notes he added to two old Scottish poems, Gaberlunzie-man and Christ's Kirk on the Green. These were published in 1782.
Important Books
- Two Letters on the Savage State (published in London, 1792): In this book, David Doig disagreed with some ideas from another writer, Lord Kames, about early human societies.
- Extracts from a Poem on the Prospect from Stirling Castle (published in Stirling, 1796): This was a poem he wrote about the view from Stirling Castle.
Contributions to Encyclopedias
David Doig also wrote for the third edition of the famous Encyclopædia Britannica. He wrote the articles on:
- "Mythology" (the study of myths and legends)
- "Mysteries" (about ancient secret religious rites)
- "Philology" (the study of language in historical and cultural context)
He also left behind some writings that were never published, including poems in Latin and English.
