Broun, John Allan, 1817-1879

Studied at Edinburgh and through the influence of Professor J. D. Forbes F. R. S. 1832 was appointed Director of the magnetic observatory at Makerstoun 1842-1849 and made many observations. In 1852 appointed Director of the Trivandrum Magnetic Observatory (S. India) and he built an observatory on the Augustia Malley the highest peak of the Travancore Ghats. In 1873 aided by grant from Royal Society undertook to complete the reduction of magnetic observations made at colonial stations. Received a Royal medal in 1878.

John Allan Broun was born in Demfries, studied at Edinburgh University, and in 1842 was appointed Director of the magnetic observatory founded by Sir Thomas Brisbane at Makerstoun. In 1852 Broun became Director of the Trivandrum Magnetic Observatory. Returning to Europe in 1865, Broun first lived on the Continent and then in London, where he continued to systemize and publish the results of his research.