Timeline of Scottish philosopher and economist Adam Smith, author of 'The Wealth of Nations' and founder of classical economics.
Adam Smith is born in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland. His father, also Adam Smith, was a lawyer and customs official. #history #economics
At age 14, Smith begins studying at the University of Glasgow under Francis Hutcheson. He studies moral philosophy and Greek classics. #education #philosophy
Smith wins a Snell Exhibition scholarship to Balliol College, Oxford. He studies at Oxford for six years, finding the curriculum lacking. #education #history
After completing his studies, Smith leaves Oxford without earning a degree, disillusioned with the university's teaching. #education
Smith delivers public lectures on rhetoric and literature in Edinburgh under the patronage of Lord Kames. These lectures help establish his reputation. #literature #philosophy
Smith is elected Professor of Logic at the University of Glasgow, succeeding his former teacher. He later switches to moral philosophy. #academia #philosophy
Smith is appointed Professor of Moral Philosophy at Glasgow, a position he holds for 12 years. He covers ethics, rhetoric, jurisprudence, and political economy. #philosophy #economics
Smith's first major work, 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments', is published. It explores moral philosophy and the concept of sympathy, laying groundwork for his later economic ideas. #philosophy #books
Smith receives an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Glasgow. #academia
Smith resigns his professorship to become tutor to Henry Scott, the young Duke of Buccleuch. They embark on a grand tour of Europe. #education #history
During his tour with the Duke, Smith visits Voltaire in Geneva, discussing philosophy and literature. #philosophy #history
In Paris, Smith meets François Quesnay and other physiocrats, whose economic theories influence his own work. #economics #history
After the Duke's brother dies in France, Smith returns to Kirkcaldy where he begins writing 'The Wealth of Nations'. #history
Smith becomes a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, contributing to its promotion of innovation and industry. #science #society
Smith starts writing his magnum opus, 'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations', over the next nine years. #economics #books
Smith moves to London to complete and publish 'The Wealth of Nations', joining the intellectual circles including Benjamin Franklin. #history
Smith's landmark work, 'An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations', is published. It lays the foundations of classical economics, introducing concepts like the invisible hand and division of labor. #economics #books #classicaleconomics
Smith is appointed to the lucrative position of Commissioner of Customs for Scotland in Edinburgh, where he works until his death. #government #economics
Smith moves permanently to Edinburgh, residing at Panmure House. He continues writing and revising his works. #history
Smith helps found the Royal Society of Edinburgh, serving as its first vice president. #science #society
Smith's mother, Margaret Douglas, dies. Smith, who never married, had lived with her for most of his life. #personal
Smith is elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, recognizing his contributions to philosophy and economics. #science #honor
Smith publishes a collection of essays on astronomy, physics, and other philosophical topics, compiled posthumously later. #philosophy #books
Smith is elected Rector of the University of Glasgow, serving in an honorary capacity. #academia #honor
Smith follows the early events of the French Revolution, corresponding with Edmund Burke and others. #history #politics
Adam Smith dies in Edinburgh at age 67 after a painful illness. He is buried in the Canongate Churchyard. His will orders destruction of unfinished manuscripts. #history #economics
Smith's 'Essays on Philosophical Subjects' is published posthumously, edited by his friends Joseph Black and James Hutton. #philosophy #books
Smith's lectures on jurisprudence are published from student notes, providing insight into his legal philosophy. #law #philosophy
Dugald Stewart publishes 'Account of the Life and Writings of Adam Smith', the first biography of Smith. #history #books
Karl Marx extensively cites Smith's labor theory of value in his critique of political economy. #economics #philosophy
Edwin Cannan's scholarly edition of 'The Wealth of Nations' becomes standard for modern study. #economics #books
A collection of Smith's early lectures and writings is discovered, including 'Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres'. #history #philosophy
The British Post Office issues a stamp honoring Adam Smith as part of its 'Famous Men' series. #philately #history
The Adam Smith Institute, a free-market think tank, is established in London. #economics #politics
The 200th anniversary of Smith's magnum opus is celebrated with conferences and publications worldwide. #economics #history
Adam Smith's portrait appears on the £20 note issued by the Bank of England (later replaced by others). #economics #currency
A statue of Adam Smith is unveiled on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, commemorating his contributions. #history #art
The University of Glasgow renames its business school to 'Adam Smith Business School' in his honor. #education #economics
The University of Glasgow digitizes Adam Smith's manuscripts, making them available online. #technology #history