“ He was a most energetic professor, and, according to his colleague, but no relation, Lord Kelvin (Sir William Thomson) , founded the first chemical laboratory for students at a time when practical work was scarcely recognized as a necessary part of chemical education. ”

“ In 1817 he became lecturer in chemistry at Glasgow University, and in the following year was appointed to the regius professorship. This chair he retained until his death, which happened on the 2nd of July 1852 at Kilmun, Argyleshire ”