Robert Foulis, a Scottish printer, born in Glasgow, April 20, 1707, died in Edinburgh in 1770. He was a barber's apprentice, but falling under the notice of Dr. Hutcheson, professor of moral philosophy at Glasgow university, was encouraged to perfect his education and become a printer and bookseller. In company with his brother Andrew (born Nov. 23, 1712, died Sept. 18, 1775) he made journeys to England and the continent during the summers in connection with his new business, and employed his winters in teaching. In 1739 he opened a shop in Glasgow, and in the following year commenced publishing. In 1743 he was appointed printer to the university, and afterward took Andrew into partnership. Their editions were remarkable for correctness and elegance, those of the Greek and Latin classics ranking with the best of the famous Aldine series. The Foulis edition of Demetrius Pha-lereus Be Elocutione (1743) is thought to be the first Greek work published in Glasgow. Among the most valuable productions of this press were: Horace (12mo, 1744), the sheets of which were hung up in the university with the offer of a reward for the discovery of any error in them; Homer (4 vols, fol, 1756-8); Thuycydides, in Greek and Latin (8 vols. 12mo, 1759); Herodotus, in Greek and Latin (9 vols. 12mo, 1701); Xenophon, in Greek and Latin (12 vols. 12mo, 1702-'7); Gray's poems, Pope's works, etc.

The two brothers acquired in time an ample fortune, which they lost by an unsuccessful attempt to establish at Glasgow an academy of painting and sculpture.