SIR DAVID GILL (1843-1914) 



By A. S. Eddinc 



By the death of Sir David Gill astronomy has lost one of its ablest 

 and best-known leaders. By his widespread activity, his close asso- 

 ciation with all the great enterprises of observational astronomy, and 

 by the energy and enthusiasm of his character, he had come to hold 

 an almost unique position in astronomical councils; and the with- 

 drawal of his great motive power leaves a universal sense of loss. 

 By his individual achievements and by his leadership he has exerted 

 an incalculable influence on the progress of all that pertains to pre- 

 cision of observation. It will be our task in this notice to give an 

 outline of his work as an astronomer, but to understand his immense 

 influence it is necessary also to realize the personal character of the 

 man. Those who came in contact with him felt the charm of his per- 

 sonality. In some indefinable way he could inspire others with his en- 

 thusiasm and determination. Enjoying a life crowded with activity, 

 surrounded by an unusualh^ wide circle of friends, he was ever ready 

 and eager to encourage the humblest beginner. It was no perfunc- 

 tory interest that he displayed. He was quick to discern any signs 

 of promise, and no less outspoken in his criticism; but, whether he 

 praised or condemned, few could leave him without the truest admira- 

 tion and affection for his simple-hearted character. 



David Gill was born at Aberdeen on the 12th of June, 1843. His 

 family had long been associated with that city, where his father had 

 an old-established and successful business in clocks and watches of 

 all kinds. In due course he entered the Marischal College and Uni- 

 versity, Aberdeen. At that time J. Clerk Maxwell was a professor 

 there, and his teaching had a great influence on the young student. 

 Judged by ordinary standards, Maxwell was not a successful lec- 

 turer; but there were some students who could catch a part of his 

 meaning as he " thought aloud " at the blackboard and feel the im- 

 pression of his personality in after-lecture conversation, and these 

 found him an inspiring teacher. Gill was among these, and he be- 

 came imbued with a zeal for experimental science which soon mani- 

 fested itself in his setting up a small laboratory in his father's house. 



1 Reprinted by permission from Montbly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 

 London, Feb., 1915. 



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