Milner, Isaac (1775-1820)

Comments

in VENN
Adm. sizar at QUEENS', Jan. 6, 1770. Of Yorks. [B. Jan. 11, 1750, at Leeds.] Removed from school at the age of ten, and set to earn his living as a weaver; an usher at Hull Grammar School, 1768-70. ' Matric. Michs. 1770; Scholar; B.A. (Senior Wrangler and 1st Smith's prize) 1774; M.A. 1777; B.D. 1786; D.D. 1792. Fellow, 1776-88; Tutor, 1777. Junior Proctor, 1782-3. President of Queens', 1788-1820. Vice-Chancellor, 1792-3 and 1809-10. Jacksonian Professor of Natural Philosophy, 1783-92. Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, 1798-1820. F.R.S., 1776. Ord. deacon (Peterb.) Dec. 17, 1775; priest, Mar. 22, 1778. R. of St Botolph's, Cambridge, 1778-92. Dean of Carlisle, 1791-1820. Gunning says that ‘the University perhaps never produced a man of more eminent abilities.’ Professor William Smyth described him as ‘a very capital lecturer,’ and added ‘what with him and his German assistant, Hoffmann, the audience was in a high state of interest and entertainment.’ Delivered no lectures as Lucasian Professor, but was a most efficient examiner for the Smith's prizes. Did a great deal to increase the importance of Queens'; ‘to the last, he ruled over the College with a despotism that was rarely called in question.’ Author of papers in the Philosophical Society's Transactions; edited his brother's theological works. Died Apr. 1, 1820, at Kensington Gore, London; buried in the (old) chapel of Queens'. Brother of Joseph (1762). (Northants. Clergy; D.N.B.; Gunning, I. 257-76; G. Mag., 1820, I. 370; Gilbert Wakefield, Memoirs, 130.)

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