John Amyatt facts for kids
John Amyatt was an English chemist who lived a long time ago. He was a very smart person and was even chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, which is a special group for important thinkers and scientists.
Who Was John Amyatt?
John Amyatt had an important job working for the King of England. He was called the King's Chemist from 1776 to 1782. This meant he used his science skills to help the King and his government.
Edinburgh's Special Secret
People described Amyatt as a "very sensible and agreeable English gentleman." He is remembered for a famous quote about the city of Edinburgh in Scotland. This quote came from a time called the Scottish Enlightenment, when many new and exciting ideas were being shared.
Amyatt once told William Smellie, who was working on the very first Encyclopædia Britannica, that Edinburgh had a special advantage no other city in Europe had. Smellie asked him what he meant. Amyatt replied:
"Here stand I at what is called the Cross of Edinburgh, and can in a few minutes take fifty men of genius by the hand"
What Was the Mercat Cross?
The "Cross of Edinburgh" that Amyatt talked about was actually the Mercat Cross. In the 1700s, this cross was a very important spot in Edinburgh. It was the center of business and social life. People would meet there to trade goods, share news, and simply catch up with friends. Amyatt's quote meant that Edinburgh was full of so many smart and talented people that you could meet many of them just by standing at the Mercat Cross for a short time!
