Alexander Dickson (botanist)

Scottish botanist and academic

Alexander Dickson (21 February 1836 – 30 December 1887) was a prominent Scottish botanist known for his contributions to plant morphology and anatomy. He held several academic positions and was a respected figure in the field of botany during the 19th century.

Early Life and Education

6 Fettes Row, Edinburgh, birthplace of Alexander Dickson

Alexander Dickson was born on 21 February 1836 at 6 Fettes Row, Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the son of Alexander Dickson, a writer to the signet, and his wife, Jane Dickson. Dickson was educated at the Edinburgh Academy and later attended the University of Edinburgh, where he studied medicine and natural sciences. He graduated with an M.D. in 1859.

Academic Career

After completing his medical degree, Dickson pursued further studies in botany, a field that had captured his interest during his university years. He worked under the guidance of prominent botanists and developed a keen interest in plant morphology and anatomy.

In 1862, Dickson was appointed as a lecturer in botany at the University of Aberdeen. His career progressed rapidly, and he became a professor of botany at the University of Glasgow in 1868. In 1879, he returned to the University of Edinburgh as a professor of botany, a position he held until his death in 1887.

Contributions to Botany

Alexander Dickson in 1871

Dickson's research focused on the structure and development of plants. He made significant contributions to the understanding of plant morphology, particularly in the areas of floral anatomy and the development of plant organs. His work was characterized by meticulous observation and detailed illustration, which were highly regarded by his contemporaries.

Dickson published numerous papers in scientific journals, where he explored various aspects of plant structure and function. His studies on the comparative anatomy of flowers and the development of plant tissues were particularly influential.

Legacy

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Bust of Alexander Dickson by Charles McBride (1889), Old College, Edinburgh University

Alexander Dickson's contributions to botany were recognized by his peers, and he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1866. His legacy in the field of botany is marked by his dedication to teaching and research, which inspired many students and colleagues.

Dickson passed away on 30 December 1887 in Edinburgh. He is remembered as a pioneering botanist whose work laid the foundation for future studies in plant morphology and anatomy.

Related Pages

• Botany
• Plant morphology
• University of Edinburgh
• Royal Society of Edinburgh