James Gow Black

James Gow Black (10 May 1835 – 25 December 1914) was a New Zealand chemist, mineralogist, lecturer and university professor . He was born in Tomgarrow, Perthshire, Scotland on 10 May 1835, the eldest of seven children of David, quarrier and farmer, and Margaret (née Gow).

Fenby noted that “Black supported himself by manual labour, and from the age of 14 by teaching. The nearest parish school was six miles from his home, so he set up his own school to teach neighbouring children”. It was this profoundly practical approach to science that was his guiding philosophy. The two books he published were for use in the field; he was not a researcher.

A colleague added: James Gow Black was first and foremost a teacher and populariser of science. His style was lucid, forceful and tinged with humour; his lecture demonstrations fascinating, sometimes to the point of appearing magical; his enthusiasm contagious. He addressed numerous audiences: students, teachers – many of whom travelled considerable distances to attend his Saturday morning classes, miners and the general public. — David Vernon Fenby