| Administrative History | James Gregory (1666 - 1742) was the son of David Gregory (1625 - 1720) of Kinnairdy and brother of David Gregory (1659–1708). He graduated M.A. from St Andrews University in 1690, and was professor of mathematics at the University of Edinburgh from circa 1691 to 1742. Like his brother, who had held the chair before him, he was a zealous Newtonian and incorporated Newton's ideas into his teaching.
Colin Maclaurin was appointed as his assistant in 1725 and on account of Gregory's increasing ill-health, undertook most of his duties from this date until Gregory's death when he was himself appointed to the Chair. Newton admired Maclaurin's abilities and made an annuity towards his support while he occupied the unsalaried position of assistant.
By 1710, Newtonianism had displaced Cartesianism throughout the Scottish university system. |