Happy birthday to Professor James Beattie, born on 25 October 1735 and recorded in our records (Laurencekirk 263/00 FR 159). A farmer and shopkeeper's son, he attended Aberdeen University before being appointed Professor of moral philosophy.
His two most notable publications were his Essay on the Nature and Immutability of Truth (1770), intended as an answer to David Hume, and The Minstrel (1771), which earned praise from Samuel Johnson. Beattie was a prominent opponent of slavery.
Information on historic Scottish figures, famous to less 'well-kent', is available by referring to our Famous Scots Archive.
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