Background
He was born in 1753, at Redpath House, Longformacus, Berwickshire.
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Alexander Christison
Edit Profileeducator mathematician Professor of Humanity
Career
After a local education he began employment as the local schoolteacher before being inspired to attend Edinburgh University to study Classics, graduating in 1775. This background gave him access to teach at a higher calibre of school and he taught both at George Watson’s College, Dalkeith Grammar School and the High School in Edinburgh. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1800 his main proposer being the eminent physician, James Gregory.
Edinburgh University granted him a further degree (Master of Arts) in 1806, and from that date he served as Professor of Humanity at the university, a role he continued until death.
Argyll Square was demolished in the mid 19th century to build the Royal Scottish Museum. He died in Edinburgh on 25 June 1820 and is buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard in the city centre.
He is buried in the plot of Professor George Dunbar at the north-west section of the western extension. Alexander’s son was the noted Scottish toxicologist Sir Robert Christison.
