James Pillans

1778 - 1864

Academic. Pillans was educated at the University of Edinburgh, where he took classes given by Joseph Black (1728 - 99) and Dugald Stewart (1753 - 1828). As Headmaster of the Old High School of Edinburgh, he was an early advocate of compulsory education. He invented the blackboard and coloured chalks and used these to teach Geography.

Later (1820 - 1863) he became Professor of Humanity & Laws in the University of Edinburgh.

Kap Pillans on Greenland is named in his honour.

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