GERARD, ALEXANDER, author of the Essays on Taste and Genius, was born at Chapel-Garioch, in Aberdeenshire, in 1728. After the usual preliminary studies he graduated as M.A. at Marischal College, and then began the study of theology, which he prosecuted at Aberdeen and Edinburgh. In 1752 he was appointed professor of natural philosophy in Marischal College, and contributed powerfully, by his voice and pen, to remodel the system of academic study then pursued in Aberdeen. Eight years later he exchanged that chair for the more honourable one of divinity, and in 1771 left Marischal for King's College, where he remained till his death in 1795.
Gerard is chiefly remembered by his Essay on Taste (which was rewarded with the gold medal of the Edinburgh Philosophical Society in 1756), and his Essay on Genius. These and the other works of their author exhibit a sound judgment and extensive reading. They exhibit, however, no rare or valuable qualities of mind, and are seldom or never relieved by a ray of fancy or a burst of eloquence. Besides these works, Gerard published two volumes of Sermons and a Dissertation on the Evidences of Christianity.