Sir John Leslie
(1766-1832), Scientist and mathematicianRegency Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 5 portraits
After leaving Edinburgh University he earned a living as a private tutor while pursuing his scientific research interests. In 1804 he published Experimental Inquiry into the Nature and Properties of Heat, which gained him the Rumford Medal of the Royal Society of London. In 1805 he was elected Professor of Mathematics at Edinburgh University amid controversial allegations of his atheism. He was elected Professor of Natural Philosophy in 1819, a post he held until his death. Leslie is best remembered for his research into the properties of heat. He conducted his research using a 'differential thermometer', a sensitive instrument that enabled him to investigate aspects of heat radiation.
by Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey
pencil, 1815
NPG 316a(64a)
Men of Science Living in 1807-8
by Sir John Gilbert, and Frederick John Skill, and William Walker, and Elizabeth Walker (née Reynolds)
pencil and wash, 1858-1862
NPG 1075
Engraving after 'Men of Science Living in 1807-8'
by George Zobel, and William Walker
engraving, 1862
NPG 1075a
Key to engraving after 'Men of Science Living in 1807-8'
by William Walker
engraving, 1862
NPG 1075b
by John Kay
etching, 1817
NPG D18674
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