training for the ministry. He continued as mathematical examiner for the university and twice deputized for the professor of mathematics. In 1867–74 he was honorary secretary of the Royal Society of New South Wales and treasurer in 1874–78. In 1874 he read a paper to the society on 'The transit of Venus as Observed at Eden' which was published in its Proceedings. In the 1870s he preached frequently on the relation of religion to new scientific ideas but his public activities were not matched by any considerable energy at St Paul's. In 1878 criticism by the college council caused him to resign. Scott had earlier expressed an element of scepticism about revealed religion and had criticized the Sydney clergy. However, he took eagerly to a country ministry at Gunning, Bungendore and Queanbeyan and later became a canon of St Saviour's Cathedral, Goulburn, and examining chaplain for Bishop Thomas. He revisited England in 1888 and lived in retirement on his return. Scott died at Chatswood and is buried in the Gore Hill cemetery. Scott's estate was valued for probate at the considerable sum of £7500. Bibliography G. B. Airy, Autobiography, W. Airy ed. (Cambridge, 1896); A. Fisher, The Register of Blundell's School, vol 1 (Exeter, 1904); R. T. Wyatt, The History of the Diocese of Goulburn (Syd, 1937); Colonial astronomer papers, Votes and Proceedings (Legislative Assembly, New South Wales), 1856–57, 21, 1858–59, 1, 841, 843, 1859–60, 4, 1047, 1861, 2, 395, 1861–62, 2, 1371, 1865, 1, 915; Royal Society of New South Wales, Proceedings, 51 (1917), 6; K. J. Cable, 'The founding of St Paul's College', Pauline, 1967, no 65; Sydney Morning Herald, 31 March 1917; Scott letters (copies, State Library of New South Wales); Council minutes 1865–78 (St Paul's College, University of Sydney) Sources Australian Anglican priests 19th-century English Anglican priests 19th-century Australian astronomers 19th-century Australian mathematicians 1825 births 1917 deaths People from Braunton People educated at Blundell's School Burials at Gore Hill Cemetery