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In 1760 he received the degree of master of arts; and was soon after appointed professor of mathematics in that institution. In 1764, Mr. Williamson resigned his professorship and left his native country for Europe, to prosecute his medical studies at the University of Edinburgh. After enjoying the medical lectures of that institution for several years, he went to London, where he remained twelve months diligently pursuing his studies. From London he crossed over to Holland, and completed his medical education at Utrecht. After his return to this country, he commenced the practice of medicine in Philadelphia, and met with great success. In 1769, in conjunction with several of the American astronomers, Mr. Williamson was employed in making observations on the transit of Venus, which happened in that year; and which were afterward referred to with peculiar notice and approbation by the astronomers of Europe.

In 1760 he received the degree of master of arts; and was soon after appointed professor of mathematics in that institution. In 1764, Mr. Williamson resigned his professorship and left his native country for Europe, to prosecute his medical studies at the University of Edinburgh. After enjoying the medical lectures of that institution for several years, he went to London, where he remained twelve months diligently pursuing his studies. From London he crossed over to Holland, and completed his medical education at Utrecht. After his return to this country, he commenced the practice of medicine in Philadelphia, and met with great success. In 1769, in conjunction with several of the American astronomers, Mr. Williamson was employed in making observations on the transit of Venus, which happened in that year; and which were afterward referred to with peculiar notice and approbation by the astronomers of Europe.

In 1770 he published "Observations upon the change of the climate of the United States." In consideration of these valuable papers, he was elected honorary member of the Holland Society of Sciences; of the Society of Arts and Sciences of Utrecht; and as a further reward of his literary labours, the degree of doctor of laws was conferred upon him by the University of Leyden. In 1773, Mr. Williamson was appointed, in conjunction with Dr. John Ewing, to make a tour through England, Scotland, and Ireland, to solicit benefactions for the college at Newark. During his stay in London, he procured the celebrated letters of Hutchinson and Oliver, in which they had secretly laboured to paint, in the most odious colours, the character of the people of Massachusetts. He lost no time in delivering them into the hands of [[Dr. Franklin]], who afterward transmitted them to his constituents in Boston. "The indignation and animosity, which were excited on their perusal, roused the people to a greater opposition to the measures of Great Britain."

In 1770 he published "Observations upon the change of the climate of the United States." In consideration of these valuable papers, he was elected honorary member of the Holland Society of Sciences; of the Society of Arts and Sciences of Utrecht; and as a further reward of his literary labours, the degree of doctor of laws was conferred upon him by the University of Leyden. In 1773, Mr. Williamson was appointed, in conjunction with Dr. John Ewing, to make a tour through England, Scotland, and Ireland, to solicit benefactions for the college at Newark. Sailing north, they stopped in Boston in mid December, where Williamson was present during the [[Boston Tea Party]].<ref>[https://www.google.com/books/edition/Shapers_of_the_Great_Debate_at_the_Const/8zcjYPZxPV0C?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA296]</ref>

 

During his stay in London, he procured the celebrated letters of Hutchinson and Oliver, in which they had secretly laboured to paint, in the most odious colours, the character of the people of Massachusetts. He lost no time in delivering them into the hands of [[Dr. Franklin]], who afterward transmitted them to his constituents in Boston. "The indignation and animosity, which were excited on their perusal, roused the people to a greater opposition to the measures of Great Britain."

Mr. Williamson then passed into Holland, where he heard the news of the [[Declaration of Independence]]. As soon as he could arrange his affairs, he sailed for America, and arrived at Philadelphia in March, 1779. Shortly after, he settled in North Carolina, and commenced the practice of physic at Edenton, and afterward removed to Newbern. In 1780, he was appointed a surgeon in the army.

Mr. Williamson then passed into Holland, where he heard the news of the [[Declaration of Independence]]. As soon as he could arrange his affairs, he sailed for America, and arrived at Philadelphia in March, 1779. Shortly after, he settled in North Carolina, and commenced the practice of physic at Edenton, and afterward removed to Newbern. In 1780, he was appointed a surgeon in the army.