Stewart, Dugald, 1753-1828

Scottish philosopher.

Dugald Stewart was born on November 22, 1753 in Edinburgh, Scotland. At the age of 13, he studied at the University of Edinburgh where his father was the chair of the mathematics department. He eventually taught in the mathematics department with his father, then took over as chair after his father's death. In 1785, he was made the professor of moral philosophy at the University of Edinburgh.

Stewart's chief concern was to formulate a philosophy of the mind through the use of the inductive method of Sr. Francis Bacon. He was an admirer, friend, and follower of Thomas Reid. Stewart's pupils included Lord Brougham, Lord Palmerston, Sir Walter Scott, and James Mill. He was an eloquent speaker and greatly published author.

In 1783, Stewart married Helen Bannatyne who bore him one son before her death in 1787. Dugald Stewart died on June 11, 1828, while visiting a friend at Edinburgh.

Olinthus Gilbert Gregory was born on January 29, 1774, in Yaxley, Huntingdonshire. In 1796, he settled in Cambridge and in 1798, opened a bookseller's shop where he also taught mathematics. In 1802, he became the mathematical maser at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich. In 1807, he was made chair of the mathematics department where he remained until his retirement in 1838. Gregory published many mathematical and theological writings during his tenure. He stayed in Woolwich until his death on February 2, 1841.