Alexander Nicoll (1793–1828) was a Scottish orientalist, known for his bibliographical work. He became Regius Professor of Hebrew at Oxford in 1822.
Life
The youngest son of John Nicoll, he was born at Monymusk, Aberdeenshire, 3 April 1793. After attending successively a private school, the parish school, and Aberdeen grammar school, he entered Aberdeen University, where he studied two years with distinction. In 1807 he moved to Balliol College, Oxford, on a Snell exhibition, and graduated B.A. in 1811, and M.A. in 1814.
Nicoll began oriental studies in 1813, and was later appointed sub-librarian in the Bodleian Library. In 1817 he took deacon's orders, and became a curate in an Oxford church. In 1822 he succeeded Richard Laurence as Regius Professor of Hebrew and canon of Christ Church, Oxford; and was made D.C.L. in the same year.
Nicoll was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1826. He died of bronchitis on 24 September 1828.
