Andrew Dalzell
| Andrew Dalzell | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1742 Newliston |
| Died | 1806 (aged 64) Edinburgh |
| Other names | Dalziel, Andrew |
| Occupation | Scottish classicist |
Prof Andrew Dalzell (sometimes shown as Andrew Dalzel or Andrew Dalziel) FRSE (1742–1806) was a Scottish scholar and prominent figure during the Scottish Enlightenment. In 1783 he was a co-founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
He was born in Gateside, Newliston near Linlithgow on 6 October 1742 the youngest son of William Dalzell, a carpenter, and his wife Alice Linn. His father died in 1751 and the young Dalzell then fell into the financial care of his namesake and uncle, the Rev Andrew Dalzell of Stoneykirk but remaining in Newliston under the supervision of Rev John Drysdale of Kirkliston. His early education was at Kirkliston Parish School, and then he attended Edinburgh University studying to be a minister in the footsteps of his uncle and adoptive father, but he was never licensed to preach.
Instead (around 1765) he became the personal tutor of the Lauderdale family teaching in particular the young James (1758–1839), Thomas and Robert, later Lord Liston, the latter becoming a lifelong friend. He is said to have taken his pupils to Glasgow to hear the lectures of John Millar on Civil Law.
In 1772 his various contacts brought about his achieving the position of Professor of Greek at Edinburgh University. This brought him into contact with the critical figures of the Scottish Enlightenment, most of which were in Edinburgh. He also served other roles; being Keeper of the College Library from 1785, and Principal Clerk to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland from 1788 (the first layman to hold this role). Curiously his address is given simply as College at this period, as he lived in tied accommodation within Old College.
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