[6] He studied mathematics and natural philosophy at the University of Aberdeen, graduating in 1872 with a first class degree.
[7] That year, he was awarded the Ferguson Scholarship by Aberdeen and matriculated into Clare College, Cambridge to continue his mathematical studies.
[4] Due to ill health, he moved from teaching a large number of students, privately and through his college, into administration.
[6] Mollison was unanimously elected as Atkinson successor as the 38th Master of Clare College, Cambridge in March 1915.
[7][6] His funeral was held at the chapel of Clare College, Cambridge,[4] and he was buried in the Ascension Parish Burial Ground alongside his wife.