John Young (professor of natural history)

John Young (1823-1900) was a Scottish natural historian, geologist, and professor. He served as Regius Professor of Natural History at the University of Glasgow from 1866 until his retirement in 1899.

Young was born in Campsie, Stirlingshire. He received his early education locally before attending the University of Glasgow, where he studied natural history and geology. He initially worked in industry, specifically in mining, applying his geological knowledge to practical problems. This experience proved invaluable and informed his later academic work.

In 1866, Young succeeded William Couper as Regius Professor of Natural History at Glasgow. During his tenure, he revitalized the natural history collections and advocated for improved museum facilities. He significantly expanded the university's Hunterian Museum, building upon the legacy of William Hunter. He was deeply involved in the acquisition and curation of specimens, making them more accessible for both teaching and research.

Young's research interests were broad, encompassing geology, paleontology, and zoology. He published extensively on fossils, particularly from the Carboniferous period, and on the natural history of the Clyde region. He also wrote on topics related to the formation of coal and other geological resources.

He was a fellow of the Geological Society of London and a member of other scientific societies. Young was also involved in public education, giving lectures and presentations to disseminate knowledge of natural history to a wider audience. He was known for his clear and engaging teaching style, inspiring many students to pursue careers in science. He fostered a strong tradition of fieldwork and observation in his teaching, emphasizing the importance of direct engagement with the natural world.