William Irvine (chemist) facts for kids

William Irvine FRSE (1743-1787) was an important Scottish doctor and chemist from the 1700s. He worked closely with the famous scientist Joseph Black on many of his experiments. Irvine also served twice as the leader of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, a group for doctors and surgeons in Glasgow. He was in charge from 1775 to 1777 and again from 1783 to 1785.

William Irvine's Early Life and Education

William Irvine was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1743. His father, Michael Irvine, was a merchant. William went to the High School in Glasgow to start his education.

Studying at Glasgow University

In 1756, when he was about 13, Irvine began studying at Glasgow University. He focused on medicine and chemistry. His teacher was the well-known scientist Joseph Black. Black later chose Irvine to help him with his important experiments on something called latent heat. This is the heat that is hidden when a substance changes its state, like ice melting into water.

Irvine earned his medical degree (MD) around 1763. After that, he continued his studies in big cities like London and Paris.

Becoming a Professor

In 1766, Irvine came back to Glasgow University. He started teaching about Materia Medica, which is the study of how medicines work. In 1770, he became a professor of chemistry. He took over from John Robison, who had replaced Joseph Black a few years earlier.

Irvine's Scientific Work and Legacy

William Irvine was very interested in industrial chemistry. This is the study of how chemistry can be used in factories and businesses. He was especially interested in how to make glass.

Founding the Royal Society of Edinburgh

In 1783, Irvine helped start a very important scientific group called the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This society brought together many smart people to share new ideas and discoveries.

How William Irvine Died

William Irvine owned a glassworks factory in Glasgow. While visiting this factory, he caught a very bad fever. He sadly died from this illness on July 9, 1787.

Irvine's Family Life

William Irvine was married to a woman named Grace Hamilton. They had one son, who was also named William Irvine.

His Son, William Irvine Jr.

William Irvine Jr. (1776–1811) followed in his father's footsteps. He also became an industrial chemist and a doctor. During the Napoleonic Wars, he worked as an army doctor in places like Malta and Sicily. In 1806, he was also chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, just like his father.