James Donaldson (classical scholar)

Sir James Donaldson (26 April 1831, Aberdeen - 1915), was a Scottish classical scholar, and educational and theological writer.

He was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School, Marischal College, Aberdeen, New College, London, and Berlin University. In 1854 he was appointed Rector of the Stirling High School where he remained for two years, before leaving for the Royal High School of Edinburgh, of which he was appointed Rector in 1866. He became in 1881 Professor of Humanity in the University of Aberdeen, and in 1890 Principal of the University of St Andrews by the Universities (Scotland) Act.

He was knighted by Edward VII in 1907, and was awarded an LL.D. by the University of Glasgow and an honorary D.D. by the University of Aberdeen in recognition of his work in Church history.

His memorial is in the Church of St John the Evangelist, Edinburgh.

Principal works

• A Modern Greek Grammar for the Use of Classical Students (1853)
• Lyra Graeca (1854), specimens of Greek lyric poetry from Callinus to Alexandros Soutsos
• The Ante-Nicene Christian Library, in collaboration with Alexander Roberts (24 vols., 1867-72)
• A Critical History of Christian Literature and Christian Doctrine from the Death of the Apostles to the Nicene Council (i.-iii., 1864-1866; new ed. of i. as The Apostolical Fathers, 1874)
• Lectures on the History of Education in Prussia and England (1874)
• Expiatory and Substitutory Sacrifices of the Greeks (1875)
• The Westminster Confession of Faith and the Thirty-Nine Articles of the Church of England (1905)
• Woman, her position and influence in ancient Greece and Rome (1907)

References

•  Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911). "Donaldson, Sir James". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. 
•  "Donaldson, James". New International Encyclopedia. 1905.