Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X, list of scientific terms with Scottish connections).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
STIRLING. 1. Math. In comb. Stirling's formula or approximation, a logarithmic formula valid for large values of n for summarising an infinite series, enunciated in 1718 by James Stirling (1692–1770), of Kippen, Slg., mathematician and engineer.
2. Engin. (1) In Stirling cycle, — engine, (the cycle for) a heated air engine devised in 1816 by Rev. Robert Stirling (1790–1878) and his brother James, of Methven, Perthshire.
(2) A type of railway locomotive built for the Glasgow and South-Western Railway and later for the Great Northern Railway by Patrick Stirling (1820–95), of Galston, or for the Glasgow and South-Western and later the South-Eastern and Chatham Railways by his brother James (1835–1917). Both were sons of the above Robert.
