Archibald, one of the founders of the Glasgow Mathematical Journal, studied Law at Glasgow University from 1828, and then at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was Senior Wrangler.
Archibald studied Law at Glasgow University from 1828, and then at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was Senior Wrangler, said to be the first Scot to achieve this position, and first Smith's prizeman in 1836, elected a fellow of Trinity College. He was one of the founders of the Cambridge Mathematical Journal. 
