Author: Brown, Thomas
Biography:
BROWN, Thomas (1778-1820: ODNB)
Philosopher and poet, he was born at Kirkmabreck, Kirkcudbrightshire, the youngest child of the Rev. Samuel Brown and Margaret (Smith) Brown. His father died just a year after his birth, and his education was superintended by a maternal uncle who sent him to school near and in London. In 1792 he commenced studies at the University of Edinburgh where he was inspired to study philosophy by Dugald Stewart who became an important (although not always complimentary) mentor. At the age of twenty, he published Observations on Erasmus Darwin’s Zoonomia and, having decided against a legal profession, commenced studying medicine. His first collection of poems was published soon after he received his degree and, despite not receiving critical encouragement as a poet, he continued writing verse alongside his other activities for the rest of his life. He was always willing to court controversy over causes in which he took an interest. Although he was a founding member of the Edinburgh Review, differences of opinion emerged between him and the editor, Francis Jeffrey, centering on Brown’s advocacy of French philosophers. When Dugald Stewart became unwell, Brown shared with him the chair in moral philosophy, and his lectures were keenly admired by many of his students. He was sent to London for his health but died there; his body was returned to Kirkmabreck for burial. (ODNB 23 May 2018; PPS) SR