Charles Anderson: 5th December, 1876–25th October, 1944
Abstract
Charles Anderson, youngest son of John Anderson of Moa, Stenness, Orkney Islands, was one of a family of nine. Educational opportunities he forged for himself. From his first school at Stenness he won two bursaries to the Kirkwall Burgh School, from which twice weekly he walked home for supplies, nine miles each way-thirty-six miles weekly. At the Burgh School he acquitted himself so well that he won his way to Edinburgh University, where, by means of scholarship and prize, he pursued his course of study. His career was a brilliant one. He was medallist in every science subject—Chemistry, Crystallography, Geology, Mineralogy, Physics, and Zoology—besides being awarded the Hope Prize Scholarship as the most distinguished student in the Chemical Laboratory. Apart from these awards he obtained distinction in English Literature Latin, and Senior Mathematics, and graduated Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science To achieve this was more than hard work alone; it was hard work performed under hard conditions, conditions which demanded physical strength and tenacity of purpose.
