Sir William Dawson was a prominent Canadian geologist and educator, born on October 13, 1820, in Pictou, Nova Scotia. He is best known for his work in the field of paleontology and his contributions to the understanding of the Carboniferous period. Dawson served as the principal of McGill University in Montreal for over 30 years, where he significantly influenced the development of science education in Canada. In addition to his academic achievements, Dawson was a prolific author, writing numerous books and articles on geology and natural history. His most notable work, "Acadian Geology," provided valuable insights into the geological history of the Maritimes. Dawson was knighted in 1884 for his contributions to science and education, leaving a lasting legacy in Canadian geology.