Patrick Cumming
Prof Patrick Cumming (or Patrick Cumin) FRSE (1741-1820) was a Professor of Oriental Languages at Glasgow University, philologist and joint founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He wasciple claim to fame is being the longest served of any known Scottish professor.
The name equally applies to his father.
Life
He was born in Edinburgh on 11 October 1741 the son of Rev Prof Patrick Cumming, Professor of Church History at Edinburgh University and three times Moderator of the Church of Scotland. He went to Edinburgh University and graduated MA in 1760.
In 1761 he became a professor at Glasgow University and held this title until death on 27 October 1820. This period of 59 years as a professor is believed to be the longest such tenure in Scottish history.[1][2]
In 1783 he was a co-founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
He died on 27 October 1820 in Glasgow.