Ten fun facts about William Hopkins

Ten fun facts about William Hopkins


1. William Hopkins elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society

In 1837, William Hopkins was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, a prestigious scientific organization founded in 1660. As a Fellow, Hopkins was part of an elite group of scientists who had made significant contributions to the advancement of science and engineering. His election to the Royal Society was a testament to his dedication to the scientific community and his commitment to furthering scientific knowledge.

AlsoFrederick Gowland Hopkins: A Life in Science

Advertisement

2. William Hopkins, Maniac, Dies in Asylum

William Hopkins tragically passed away in an asylum, where he had been suffering from chronic mania and exhaustion for an extended period of time. His condition had been deteriorating for some time, and despite the best efforts of the medical staff, he was unable to recover. His death was a great loss to his family and friends, who had been hoping for a full recovery.

AlsoSir Charles Lyell: A Pioneer in Geology

3. Pioneering Glaciologist

Despite his lack of expertise in the area, William Hopkins wrote extensively about the movement of glaciers. His work was met with criticism due to his lack of experience in the field, yet he was able to provide detailed insight into the phenomenon of glaciers and their movement. His research was groundbreaking for its time, and his findings have since been used to further the understanding of glaciers and their impact on the environment.

AlsoWilliam Buckland: Inventor and Member of the Royal Society

4. Explaining Geologic Phenomena

William Hopkins, a largely overlooked geologist, has made significant contributions to the field of geology. His work has helped to explain a variety of geological phenomena, yet he is not widely credited for his efforts. His research has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of the Earth's structure and composition, yet his name is often absent from the list of those who have made significant contributions to the field.

AlsoWilliam Smith: Father of English Geology

Advertisement

5. A Man of Two Marriages

William Hopkins was a man of two marriages. His first wife, whom he married around 1810, sadly passed away in 1821. This left him a widower, and he eventually remarried in 1824.

AlsoJames Dwight Dana: A Renowned Geologist and Mineralogist

6. 17 Senior Wranglers Successfully Taught by William Hopkins

William Hopkins was an esteemed private tutor, having helped over 200 wranglers in his career. Of these, an impressive 17 were senior wranglers, a testament to his skill and knowledge. His tutelage was highly sought after, and his students went on to achieve great success in their respective fields.

AlsoHumphry Davy: A Renowned Scientist and Inventor

7. William Hopkins' Elements of Trigonometry Published

William Hopkins' mathematical prowess was demonstrated in the publication of his book, Elements of Trigonometry. This book was a testament to his knowledge and understanding of the subject, and was a major contribution to the field of mathematics. It was a comprehensive work that covered the fundamentals of trigonometry, and was widely praised by mathematicians and scholars alike.

AlsoWilliam John Swainson: A Renowned Naturalist and Zoologist

Advertisement

8. Geologist Extraordinaire

William Hopkins was a renowned geologist who served as President of the Geological Society in 1851. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the field of geology, including the publication of several papers on the subject. He was also a respected lecturer, delivering lectures on geology at the Royal Institution and the Royal College of Surgeons. His work was highly regarded by his peers, and he was awarded the Wollaston Medal by the Geological Society in 1851 in recognition of his achievements.

AlsoAgnes Arber: 1st Female Botanist Elected to Royal Society

9. William Hopkins Receives Wollaston Medal

In 1850, William Hopkins was awarded the prestigious Wollaston Medal, a prestigious award given by the Geological Society of London to recognize outstanding contributions to the science of geology. This award is one of the highest honors in the field of geology and is only given to a select few individuals who have made significant contributions to the field. William Hopkins was one of the few to receive this honor, and his work in the field of geology has been highly regarded ever since.

AlsoIndian scientist Bhabha elected to Royal Society

10. A Cricketing Legend

William Hopkins was an avid sportsman, playing first-class cricket for the Cambridge University Cricket Club. He was a regular member of the team, and his skill and enthusiasm for the game made him a popular figure amongst his teammates. He was known for his ability to read the game and his tactical awareness, often helping to guide the team to victory.

More facts on

Advertisement

More interesting reads about...

LOAD COMMENTS AND JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Short about William Hopkins
An English mathematician and geologist.

Languages
Deutsch
Français
Español
English


Advertisement