William Meikleham facts for kids

William Meikleham (1771–1846) was a Scottish professor who taught at the University of Glasgow. He first became a professor of astronomy in 1799. Later, in 1803, he became a professor of natural philosophy, which is like teaching physics. He held this job until he passed away in 1846.

Before becoming a professor, Meikleham worked as a head teacher at Ayr Academy in 1792. He then became an assistant professor at Glasgow University in 1794. He was so good at teaching that he kept leading classes even after the main professor left.

In 1799, King George III officially appointed William Meikleham as the Professor of Practical Astronomy. This meant he was in charge of teaching astronomy and observing the stars at the university.

William Meikleham was known for being a very active and lively teacher. He was different from some of his colleagues who were more traditional. He inspired his students and made learning exciting.

Who Was William Meikleham?

William Meikleham was born in 1771 in Kilmarnock, Scotland. He was the second son of a schoolteacher named William McIlquham.

He studied at the University of Glasgow from 1788 to 1792. During his time there, he won several awards for his studies. He earned his Master of Arts (MA) degree before he graduated.

How He Helped Start a Society

On November 9, 1802, William Meikleham helped create a new group called the Royal Philosophical Society of Glasgow. He became the very first president of this society.

The symbol for the society is thought to show the planet Mercury passing in front of the Sun. This event, called a transit of Mercury, happened on the morning of November 9, 1802. Many people believe William Meikleham suggested this design because he might have seen the transit that day.

His Role as a Physics Professor

In August 1803, William Meikleham moved from teaching astronomy to teaching natural philosophy. This subject is what we now call physics. He also took on other important roles at the university, like being elected Clerk of Faculty in 1829 and 1830.

He continued to teach until the school year of 1838-1839. After that, his health started to get worse, and other teachers had to cover his classes. William Meikleham passed away on May 7, 1846, when he was 75 years old.

Artistic Recognition

A painting of William Meikleham was part of a big art show in the 1800s. The show featured portraits of important people from Glasgow. His daughter lent the painting for the exhibition.

Elizabeth Thomson, who was the sister of a famous scientist named Lord Kelvin, described Meikleham. She said he was "a good-natured, fat, little hunchback with a very red face."