The Janitor and his museum: John Wilson (1775–1832) and the teaching of 'practical zoology' in early nineteenth-century Edinburgh. Issue 2 (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Swinney, Geoffrey N.; McGowan, Robert Y.
• Is Part Of: Museum history journal. Volume 11:Issue 2(2018:Jul.)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 152
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: Natural History Museum -- Robert Jameson -- taxidermy -- University of Edinburgh -- William Jardine -- William MacGillivray; Museums -- History -- Periodicals; Museum techniques -- History -- Periodicals; 069.09
• DOI: 10.1080/19369816.2018.1527515
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1936-9824

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A description by William Jardine of Applegirth of the state of taxidermy in early nineteenth-century Edinburgh draws attention to the agency of the University of Edinburgh's Janitor, John Wilson, in contributing to the University's Natural History Museum, in the building of his own private museum collection, and in the teaching of 'practical zoology'. This description has prompted the present critical examination of Wilson's status and pedagogic practices, the sites in which he operated, and his influence on Scottish taxidermy.