Patrick Wilson (astronomer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Wilson
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Miniature of Patrick Wilson, 1796, from Scottish National Portrait Gallery
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| Born | 16 January 1743 |
| Died | 31 December 1811 (age 68) |
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| Institutions | Glasgow University |
Patrick Wilson (1743 – 1811) was a smart British scientist. He studied the stars as an astronomer. He was also a mathematician, a meteorologist (someone who studies weather), and a type-founder. A type-founder makes the metal letters used for printing books. Patrick Wilson taught astronomy at Glasgow University. He was a professor there from 1784 to 1799. He also helped start the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1783. This was a group for important scientists.
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Patrick Wilson's Early Life and Career
Patrick Wilson was born on January 16, 1743. His father was Alexander Wilson. Alexander was also a professor of astronomy at Glasgow University. Patrick was chosen to take over his father's job in 1784. His father was still working at the time.
They shared the teaching role for a few years. This was likely because his father was not well. Patrick fully took over the job after his father passed away in 1786.
University Roles and Honors
Patrick Wilson was very involved at the university. He worked as the Clerk of the University Senate. This means he helped manage the university's official meetings. He held this important role from 1783 to 1795. He also served again from 1796 to 1799.
In 1800, he received a special honorary degree. This was called an LLD. It showed how much the university respected his work.
Continuing the Family Business
Besides his work in science, Patrick Wilson also ran a business. He continued his father's type-founding business in Glasgow. This business made the metal type used for printing books and newspapers.
In 1783, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This was a big honor for scientists. He was also elected Clerk to the University Senate in the same year. He was re-elected every year until 1799.
Leaving Glasgow University
Patrick Wilson was officially appointed as the astronomy professor in 1784. He took over from his father. At the end of his time as professor in 1799, he gave a generous gift to the university. He donated scientific instruments. He also gave £1,000. The money's interest was meant to help future astronomy professors.
After leaving Glasgow in 1799, he moved to London. He lived there for the rest of his life. Patrick Wilson passed away in Kensington Square, London, on December 30, 1811.
Correspondence with Famous Scientists
Patrick Wilson was a well-known scientist. He often wrote letters to other important scientists of his time. These letters helped them share ideas and discoveries.
Letters with William Herschel
Patrick Wilson had a good friendship with William Herschel. Herschel was a very famous astronomer. He discovered the planet Uranus. They wrote many letters to each other starting in 1783. They also visited each other often.
In 1795, Patrick Wilson felt that Herschel hadn't mentioned his father's work enough. This was in a paper Herschel wrote about the Sun. But Herschel's reply made Patrick Wilson happy. After Patrick moved to London in 1799, their friendship continued. They often visited Herschel and his family.
Patrick Wilson wrote many long letters to Herschel. Over eighty of his letters still exist. In the early 1800s, they discussed "coloured rings." This was a topic where Patrick Wilson agreed with Herschel. They both disagreed with the Royal Society.
Letters with Benjamin Franklin
Patrick Wilson also wrote letters to Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was a famous American inventor, writer, and statesman. One letter from Patrick Wilson to Franklin was dated August 3, 1772. In this letter, Patrick said he was leaving for Glasgow. He was sorry he couldn't see Franklin before he left.
Patrick promised to deliver a book to the Glasgow University library. This book was the first volume of the American Philosophical Society Transactions. It was a collection of scientific papers. Patrick was likely delivering it for William Smith.
Another letter from Patrick Wilson to Benjamin Franklin was written in 1786. It was from Glasgow University. In this letter, Patrick signed himself as "Patrick Wilson, joint Professor of Astronomy." This shows he was sharing the professor role with his father at that time.
