Morrison Watson facts for kids
Morrison Watson (1845–1885) was an important Scottish scientist from the 1800s. He was an anatomist, which means he studied the structure of living things, like the human body. He also specialized in comparative anatomy, comparing the bodies of different animals to understand how they are similar or different.
He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of London (FRS) and the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE). These are special groups for top scientists.
Early Life and Education
Morrison Watson was born in a town called Montrose, Scotland, in 1845. When he was older, he went to school at the Edinburgh Institution.
After school, he decided to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh. He worked very hard and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1867. To learn even more, he traveled to Berlin and Vienna for advanced studies.
Career as an Anatomist
Around 1865, Watson returned to the University of Edinburgh. He became a Demonstrator in the anatomy classes. This meant he helped students learn about the body by showing them things. He also worked as an assistant to another famous anatomist, William Turner.
In 1873, Watson was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This was a big honor for him. His former mentor, William Turner, was the one who suggested him for this important group.
Moving to Manchester
In 1874, when he was 29 years old, Watson moved to Manchester, England. He became a professor at Owen's College. His job title was Professor of Descriptive and Practical Anatomy. While working there, he collaborated with another scientist named Arthur Gamgee.
Watson became a very respected leader at Owen's College. He eventually rose to the position of Dean, which is a senior leader in a college or university.
In 1884, he received another great honor. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. This is one of the oldest and most respected scientific organizations in the world.
Later Life and Legacy
Sadly, Morrison Watson passed away in Manchester on March 25, 1885. He died from an illness. He did not have a family of his own and did not leave a will.