Sir John William Dawson: A Profile of a Nova Scotian Scientist

Abstract

This is a summary of the life and work of Sir John William Dawson (1820-1899), a Nova Scotian who made major contributions to geology, education and the development of science in Canada. His early life and educational work in Nova Scotia, his years as Principal of McGill, his success in developing science, at the community, national, and international level, his prolific written output, and highlights of his geological work are described.