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Apr 14, 1582
Charter of James VI establishing the University
Charter of <i>novodamus</i> confirming the gift of old ecclesiastical revenues to the Town Council of Edinburgh, authorising them to spend the income on a college. More about the Charter -
Robert Rollock, first regent
In 1583, Robert Rollock was appointed by the Town Council of Edinburgh sole Regent of the College. He became first Principal two years later. -
William Drummond of Hawthornden graduates
Poet William Drummond of Hawthornden graduated as part of the 18th class. He studied under Regent James Knox. -
Faculty of Arts established
Originally students studied their entire course under one Regent. This was abolished in 1708 in favour of subject specialist Professors. Tis change established what would later be known as the Faculty of Arts -
James Crawford, first Professor of Chemistry
The 'Chair of Physik and Chymistry' was established in 1713, with James Crawford (1682-1731) as first professor. -
Faculty of Law established
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Faculty of Medicine established
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Hugh Blair, first Professor of English Literature
Hugh Blair was appointed to the Chair of Rhetoric and Belles Letters in 1762. The Chair retained this title until comparatively recently. -
Charles Darwin matriculates
Matriculation of Charles Robert Darwin, alongside his brother Erasmus, to study Medicine -
Universities (Scotland) Act 1858
This provided for a thorough reconstruction of the Scottish universities, including establishing the University of Edinburgh independently of the Town Council, with a new constitution. The Act also established the University Commissioners to regulate detailed matters. -
Archibald Geikie appointed as first Professor of Geology
Following the establishment of the Murchison Chair in Geology and Mineralogy, Archiblald Geikie was appointed as the first Professor in 1871. -
Foundation of the Faculty of Science
Ordinance establishing the Faculty of Science was approved by Order of Coucil -
Merger with New College
Following the reunification of the Church of Scotland in 1932, the University's Faculty of Divinity merged with the Free Church College at New College. -
Polish School of Medicine opens
The University’s Polish School of Medicine - established to allow Polish soldiers and refugees to continue their studies during the Second World War.
