OBITUARY NOTICES. 
Rev. John Wilson, M.A. By C. Gr. Knott, D.Sc. 
(Read December 20, 1897.) 
Rev. John Wilson, M.A., was born in Montrose on 21st Novem- 
ber 1847. After graduating as Master of Arts of Edinburgh 
University, he entered the New College, and was in due course 
licensed as a preacher by the Eree Presbytery of Edinburgh. He 
never, however, sought an ecclesiastical charge, but devoted him- 
self to lightening the labours of his father, who was rector of the 
James Wilson Academy in Bannockburn. Latterly Mr John 
Wilson had entire charge of this school until, in 1887, it ceased to 
have a separate existence and was merged in the Public School. 
In addition to his work in Bannockburn he established and con- 
ducted evening science classes in Stirling long before work of this 
kind was taken up by Educational Boards. 
He had a strong bent towards mathematical studies, and in 
1876 he communicated to this Society an interesting paper “On 
Parallel Motions,” a subject at that time fresh and fascinating. 
In illustration of this paper he exhibited several models neatly 
constructed by himself, by means of which accurately straight 
lines could be drawn. He was elected a Eellow in 1878. 
In 1887 Mr Wilson settled in Edinburgh as a tutor in mathe- 
matics and natural philosophy, and soon acquired a sound reputa- 
tion as a conscientious and efficient teacher of these subjects. His 
Notes on Physics and Natural Philosophy , an epitome of physical 
principles arranged alphabetically, admirably fulfilled the purpose 
intended, as many grateful graduates can testify. 
In 1888 he became Treasurer of the Edinburgh Mathematical 
Society, an office which he filled with great acceptance till 1895, 
when he was elected Yice-President. In the succeeding year he 
