Papers of Professor Robert Hamilton (1707-1787)

The papers are composed of sermons and lectures 1732-1736, Prelectiones theologicae 18th century, lectures on the Gospel of Matthew 1755-1756, and lectures on the first Epistle of Paul to Timothy 1759-1760.

Robert Hamilton may have been born in 1707. He was the son of Dr. William Hamilton, formerly Professor of Divinity at Edinburgh University, then Principal of the University. Hamilton was Minister of Cramond in the city, then successively Minister of Lady Yester's Church, and the Old Greyfriar's. In Spring 1754, he was appointed to the Chair of Divinity at Edinburgh University. Hamilton was twice Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and he was made Dean of the Thistle. At the age of seventy-two, he applied for assistance in the work of his Chair and in 1779 Dr. Andrew Hunter became joint-Professor of Divinity. Professor Robert Hamilton died on 2 April 1787.

Generally open for consultation to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance.

The biographical/administrative history was compiled using the following material: (1) Dalzel, Andrew. History of the University of Edinburgh from its foundation. Vol.2. History. p.424. Edinburgh: Edmonston and Douglas, 1862. (2) Grant, Sir Alexander. The story of the University of Edinburgh during its first three hundred years. Vol.2. p.283. London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1884.

Compiled by Graeme D Eddie, Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections Division.

Important finding aids generally are: the alphabetical Index to Manuscripts held at Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections and Archives, consisting of typed slips in sheaf binders and to which additions were made until 1987; and the Index to Accessions Since 1987.