PITTS THEOLOGY LIBRARY
ARCHIVES AND MANUSCRIPTS DEPT.

STEWART, DUGALD, 1753-1828 .
Letter to Olinthus Gregory, 1804.

MANUSCRIPT NUMBER 266

EXTENT:  .01 cubic ft. (1 folder)

ACCESS: Unrestricted

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CITATION:  Dugald Stewart Letter to Olinthus Gregory, MSS 266, Archives and Manuscripts Dept., Pitts Theology Library, Emory University. 

 Biographical Note

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.  

Scope and Content Note

This document is a handwritten letter 3 pages in length. It is addressed to Mr. Olinthus Gregory in Woolwich from Dugald Stewart in Edinburgh, dated 10 June 1804. It is a letter introducing and commending John Forbes to Dr. Gregory. Stewart also inquires about the well being of his own son, who is stationed at the Woolwich school where Mr. Gregory served as a professor of mathematics.

Last Modified: 01/02/2004