John Purser (mathematician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Purser
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Portrait by his cousin Sarah Purser
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| Born | 24 August 1835 |
| Died | 18 October 1903 (aged 68) |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Dublin |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematics |
| Institutions | Queen's College, Belfast |
| Notable students | Joseph Larmor, John Henry MacFarland, William McFadden Orr |
John Purser (born 1835, died 1903) was an important Irish mathematician. He was a professor at Queen's College, Belfast, which is now known as Queen's University Belfast.
John Purser's Early Life and Education
John Purser was born in Dublin, Ireland. His father, John Tertius Purser, was the general manager of the famous Guinness brewery. John grew up in a wealthy family. Many of his relatives were talented, including his cousin Sarah Purser, who was an artist. His brother-in-law, John Purser Griffith, was an engineer. John also had a brother, Frederick Purser, who became a mathematician too.
John Purser studied at Trinity College, Dublin. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in mathematics in 1856.
Becoming a Teacher
After college, John Purser worked as a tutor. He taught the children of Lord Rosse. Lord Rosse was a famous astronomer who built a very large telescope. Purser tutored Lord Rosse's sons, Lawrence and Charles.
In 1863, John Purser became a professor. He was appointed the professor of mathematics at Queen's College, Belfast. He taught there for many years until he retired in 1901.
John Purser's Impact as a Teacher
John Purser was known more for his excellent teaching than for his research. He inspired many students who went on to become very famous.
- Sir Joseph Larmor: He was a brilliant theoretical physicist. He even became the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge. This is a very important position, once held by Isaac Newton!
- Charles Algernon Parsons: He was one of Purser's former students. Charles Parsons became a famous inventor. He invented the steam turbine, which changed how we generate electricity.
- Sir John Henry MacFarland: He later became the Chancellor of Melbourne University in Australia.
- William McFadden Orr: Another one of Purser's notable students.
John Purser's teaching helped shape the minds of many important scientists and thinkers.
