Alexander Wilson (astronomer)

Alexander Wilson
FRSE
Born1714 (1714)
St Andrews, Scotland
Died16 October 1786(1786-10-16) (aged 71–72)
Edinburgh, Scotland
NationalityScottish
Alma materUniversity of St Andrews
Known forWilson effect
Wilson Greek
Scientific career
FieldsAstronomy
Mathematics
Meteorology
Type-making
InstitutionsUniversity of Glasgow
Notes
Member of the Glasgow Literary Society
Member of the Edinburgh Philosophical Society
Founder Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (1783)

Alexander Wilson FRSE (1714 – 16 October 1786) was a Scottish surgeon, type-founder, astronomer, mathematician and meteorologist. He was the first scientist to use kites in meteorological investigations.[1]

He was the first Regius Professor of Practical Astronomy at the University of Glasgow.

  1. ^ Waterston, Charles D; Macmillan Shearer, A (July 2006). Former Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh 1783–2002: Biographical Index (PDF). Vol. II. Edinburgh: The Royal Society of Edinburgh. ISBN 978-0-902198-84-5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 October 2006. Retrieved 22 March 2011.