SCOTS AS SCIENTISTS
Alexander Wilson (1766-1813), born in Paisley, the first naturalist to
study American birds in their native haunts, and author of "American
Ornithology" (1803-13), was also distinguished as a poet. David Hosack
(1769-1835), one of the most distinguished surgeons and scientists of
his day, fourth President of the New York Historical Society, was son
of a native of Morayshire. Samuel Guthrie (1782-1848), physician and
chemist, was descendant of John Guthrie, who came to America in 1661.
He was one of the pioneers who introduced vaccination, produced the
first successful percussion powder (after many experiments), invented
the "punch lock" which superseded the flint-lock musket, and, in 1831,
discovered the anaesthetic chloroform. Hugh Williamson (1735-1819),
statesman and scientist, born in Pennsylvania and educated in
Edinburgh. He studied theology and was licensed but never preached,
was Professor of Mathematics in the College of Philadelphia (1760-63),
studied medicine in Edinburgh and Utrecht, practised successfully,
served as surgeon in the Revolutionary War, delegate to the Convention
that framed the Constitution of the United States (1787), and was
afterwards Member of the first Congress. John McLean (1771-1814), born
in Glasgow, became Professor of Chemistry in Princeton (1775) and
later Professor of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry in William and
Mary College, Williamsburg, Virginia. His son, John, became President
of Princeton.
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