Thomas Barclay (scholar) facts for kids
Thomas Barclay was a smart Scottish man who lived from about 1570 to 1632. He was a special kind of lawyer called a jurist, and he taught at important universities in France, like the University of Toulouse and the University of Poitiers.
Contents
Thomas Barclay's Early Life and Learning
Thomas Barclay was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. When he was young, he went to the University of Bordeaux in France. There, he studied subjects like writing, history, and philosophy. He became friends with Robert Balfour, who was a famous thinker who studied the ideas of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle.
Moving to Toulouse
After his studies, Thomas Barclay was asked to lead a school in Toulouse, France, called the collège de l'Esquile. A writer named Thomas Dempster said that Barclay started his teaching career there, working with Robert Balfour.
Teaching Law and His Reputation
Around 1596, Thomas Barclay decided to focus on studying law. He became very good at it. He was offered a job as a professor at the University of Poitiers. This was a big honor, as "regius professor" means he was appointed by the king!
Return to Toulouse
Because he was so good at teaching, Thomas Barclay was asked to come back to Toulouse. He was still teaching there when Thomas Dempster wrote his book Historia Ecclesiastica around 1620. Dempster wrote that many students came to listen to Barclay's lectures on civil law. Even though he was a very popular teacher, Thomas Barclay did not write any books himself.
