

Murray, Sir Robert

Murray, Sir Robert, the first President of the Royal Society, was born about 1600, being the son of Sir Robert Murray of Craigie, Ayrshire. Entering the French army, he reached the rank of colonel, when the Civil War recalled him to Scotland, where he warmly supported the Royalist cause, and was appointed Lord Justice Clerk and Privy Councillor. During Cromwell's supremacy he again retired to France, and actively promoted intrigues in favour of Charles II. At the Restoration he was in high favour, and obtained the patronage of the king for the scientific club which was soon developed into the Royal Society. He died in 1673.