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Robert Haldane
Principal Robert Haldane of St Andrews, by David Octavius Hill.jpg
Born (1772-01-27)27 January 1772
Died 9 March 1854(1854-03-09) (aged 82)
Nationality British
Alma mater Glasgow University
Scientific career
Fields Mathematics
Institutions University of St Andrews
The grave of Robert Haldane, St Andrews Cathedral churchyard
The grave of Robert Haldane, St Andrews Cathedral churchyard

Robert Haldane was a British mathematician and a minister in the Church of Scotland. He was born on January 27, 1772, in Perthshire, Scotland. He passed away on March 9, 1854, in St Andrews, Scotland.

Early Life and Education

Robert Haldane grew up in a farming family in Overtown, Lecropt. This area is located near the borders of Perthshire and Stirlingshire. He was named after another important person, Robert Haldane, who owned Airthrey Castle at the time.

Robert went to school in Dunblane. After that, he continued his studies at Glasgow University.

Becoming a Minister

After finishing university, Robert Haldane worked as a private tutor. He first taught children in the family at Leddriegreen, Strathblane. Later, he tutored for Colonel Charles Moray of Abercairnie.

On December 5, 1797, he was given permission to preach as a minister. This permission came from the church group in Auchterarder. However, it took him some time to find a church where he could serve. In August 1806, he was chosen to lead the church in Drummelzier. He officially became a minister there on March 19, 1807.

Professor and Principal

In 1807, a teaching position for mathematics became open at the University of St. Andrews. Robert Haldane was chosen for this important role. He then left his church job in Drummelzier on October 2, 1809.

He taught mathematics at the university until 1820. That year, he received a promotion from the crown. He became the leader of the St. Andrews parish church. This position became available after the death of Principal George Hill.

His predecessor, George Hill, had also been the head of St. Mary's College in St. Andrews. Robert Haldane took on both roles too. He officially started his new positions on September 28, 1820. As the head of the college, he was also the main professor of religious studies.

Later Years and Legacy

On May 17, 1827, Robert Haldane was chosen for a very important role. He became the leader of the main meeting of the Church of Scotland. This meeting is called the General Assembly.

He was also recognized for his achievements in science. In 1820, he became a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group that honors important scientists and thinkers.

Robert Haldane passed away at St. Mary's College, St. Andrews, on March 9, 1854. He was 82 years old. He was buried in the cemetery of the cathedral there. His grave is on the north wall, near a memorial for Lieutenant Colonel Sir Hugh Lyon Playfair.

Robert Haldane's only published work was a small book. It was about helping poor people in St. Andrews.

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