James Couper (astronomer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Couper
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 9 August 1752 |
| Died | 7 January 1836 (aged 83) |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Alma mater | Glasgow University |
| Spouse(s) |
Margaret Thomson
(after 1783) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy Divinity |
| Institutions | Glasgow —University |
James Couper (born August 9, 1752 – died August 7, 1836) was a smart Scottish astronomer. He taught astronomy at the University of Glasgow for many years, from 1803 to 1836.
Contents
Life and Work
James Couper was a professor of astronomy at the University of Glasgow. He worked there from 1803 until 1836. He also held other important jobs at the university.
University Roles
Couper had several roles at the university, including:
- Dean of Faculties from 1800 to 1801
- Clerk of Senate from 1810 to 1814, and again from 1820 to 1828
- Keeper of the Hunterian Museum, which he shared with his sons
He didn't teach much astronomy. He also stopped making observations. This was because of the increasing smoke and new buildings around the observatory. It seems he didn't think about building a new observatory outside the city.
His Education
Couper was a student at the University of Glasgow himself. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1775. Later, in 1800, he became a Doctor of Divinity. Before becoming an astronomy professor, he was a minister. He served at Baldernock Parish Church from 1783. In 1813, he even helped teach Hebrew when the professor became sick.
His Burial Place
James Couper is buried in Ramshorn Cemetery in Glasgow. You can find his grave on the western wall. It's near the main eastern entrance of the cemetery.
Life as a Minister
Before becoming an astronomy professor, James Couper was a minister. He started working at Baldernock Parish Church in 1783. This church is in East Renfrewshire, Scotland.
Building a New Church
During his time there, a new church building was constructed in 1795. Couper wrote about the people in his parish. He said most of them spent their time farming. He called farming "the most innocent and most useful of secular employments."
His Earnings
When Couper started as a minister in 1783, he received a "living." This included:
- 63 bolls of meal (a measure of grain)
- £331 in money
- A manse (a house for the minister)
- A Glebe of 10 acres, with seven acres that could be farmed
His Family
James Couper married Margaret Thomson on November 11, 1783. They had seven children together.
- John Couper, born January 16, 1785
- Rev. James Couper, born August 17, 1786, died March 29, 1822
- Sarah Couper, born April 5, 1788
- Robert Thomson Couper, born January 6, 1790, died February 4, 1803
- William Couper, born April 30, 1792, died August 4, 1857
- Henry Glassford Couper, born May 20, 1793, died October 27, 1800
- Henry Couper, born September 20, 1801
