William Small

William Small - Tilly Kettle

William Small (13 October 1734 – 25 February 1775) was a Scottish physician and educator who is best known for his influence on Thomas Jefferson and his contributions to the American Enlightenment.

Early Life and Education

William Small was born in Carmyllie, Angus, Scotland. He attended the University of Aberdeen, where he earned his M.A. degree in 1755. He later studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, one of the leading medical schools of the time.

Career

Teaching at the College of William & Mary

In 1758, Small moved to Virginia and became a professor at the College of William & Mary. He taught mathematics and natural philosophy, which included subjects such as physics, astronomy, and chemistry. Small is credited with introducing the Scottish Enlightenment ideas to his students, including Thomas Jefferson, who later became the third President of the United States.

Influence on Thomas Jefferson

Small's mentorship had a profound impact on Jefferson. He introduced Jefferson to the works of Isaac Newton, John Locke, and Francis Bacon. Small's teachings emphasized the importance of empirical evidence and the scientific method, which greatly influenced Jefferson's thinking and future contributions to American politics and philosophy.

Return to Britain

In 1764, Small returned to Britain and settled in Birmingham, England. He became a member of the Lunar Society, a group of prominent industrialists, natural philosophers, and intellectuals. The society included notable figures such as Erasmus Darwin, James Watt, and Matthew Boulton.

Contributions to Science and Medicine

Small continued his work in medicine and science after returning to Britain. He practiced as a physician and contributed to the development of medical practices in Birmingham. His work in the Lunar Society also involved discussions on various scientific and industrial advancements of the time.

Death and Legacy

William Small died on 25 February 1775 in Birmingham. His influence on Thomas Jefferson and his contributions to the American Enlightenment and the Lunar Society have left a lasting legacy in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

See Also

• Thomas Jefferson
• College of William & Mary
• Scottish Enlightenment
• Lunar Society
• American Enlightenment