A Short History of the Physics Department, Dalhousie University, 1838-1956

Abstract

In 1863 the course in Natural Philosophy was given by Thomas McCulloch. When he died in 1865, this subject was taught to fourth year students by the Principal, the Very Rev. James Ross, D.D., one of the best students of the older McCulloch. Charles MacDonald, M.A., Professor of Mathematics, gave the class in Mathematical Physics to third year students. The text books used in these courses were Lardner's "Handbook" and Galbraith and Houghton's "Mechanics". Between 1873 and 1876 Honours courses were introduced and during this period five degrees with honours were awarded including two in mathematics and physics. Dalhousie was making its reputation and proving its worth. The teaching of Natural Philosophy continued with little change until the term 1876-1877 when J. G. MacGregor, M.A., was appointed lecturer in this subject. MacGregor gave the classes in Experimental Physics and Mathematical Physics, and MacDonald gave a class in Hydrostatics, Optics and Astronomy. In 1878 money became available to establish the first chair in physics as such in Canada. Previous to this time physics was called Natural Philosophy. The chair was offered to a Dalhousie graduate, Dr. J. J. Mackenzie, who had just completed post graduate study in Germany.