2021 International Conference on Management, Economics, Business and Information Technology (MEBIT 2021) ISBN: 978-1-60595-097-6

What Functions Did ’s Town College Perform in the Period c. 1583-1760? Yi-fei LIU1,a 1University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, , United Kingdom [email protected]

Keywords: Edinburgh, Religious, Education, Politics.

Abstract. The is a renowned university in the world now. However, it was only a town college back in 1583, and the function of Edinburgh University varies from period to period. It was functioned as a religious, educational institutions in the first place and gradually involved in British politics as well. Moreover, the University of Edinburgh witnessed and promoted the Scottish Enlightenment. Eventually, Edinburgh University becomes an essential university for high-level education in the United Kingdom with advanced and diverse curriculums.

1. Introduction The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 as a town college. With the development and reformation of Edinburgh, this town college eventually progressed into a world-renowned university. From 1583 to 1760, Edinburgh University played an important role in religious reformation, social progress and served as an important institution in Britain's political history. In the early days of the University, Edinburgh was used as a place to strengthen protestant religious beliefs. It was also the first Scottish University after the reformation. As Edinburgh's influence grew, a school was needed to educate local students. Many people required the city council to provide an educational institution at the same time. After the University was founded, Edinburgh changed its role with the times, providing different talents at different times. Undeniably, the University of Edinburgh has also played a huge role in political development as well.

2. The Role of Religion The development of the University of Edinburgh is closely related to the development of religion. At the end of the sixteen century, the University of Edinburgh was entirely founded for the aims of the local protestant population with support from the magnates and authorities providing a godly education for their children. This institution owed nothing to the old Catholic Church and was established as a Protestant university after reformation[1]. Edinburgh provided ministers to the church when there were mass vacancies in Scotland. From statistics, we can see that about 103 of the 259 graduates of the first ten years went to the ministry[2]. This statistic clearly shows the relationship between the founding of Edinburgh and the influence of the church. It can be seen from Principal Robertson public's statement, "the primary purpose of the university was not only to impart knowledge and train young men for professional careers but also to instil a "love of religion and virtue" in every student.” This statement shows the fact that religion is essential in the University's education in the 17 century[3]. After 1643, driven by political conviction and Presbyterian zeal member of the University, many university staff were called before the university committee and questioned extensively about their religious beliefs. Also, the Principal and the Professors of Divinity were questioned on the books that are taught for sacred lessons. The University was concerned about the content students received and hoped students learned the expected religious ideas. With the aims of conformity to religious belief in University, every university member had to sign the Westminster Confession of Faith which stated; swear to be loyal to the Crown, subscribe to the Act of Settlement, and submit to the church government[4]. The University committee was trying its best to ensure that the University's staffs had the same

125 conceptions. Also, in the 17 century, it was mandatory for students to go to the kirk every day to make sure they were loyal towards the church[5]. Religion is also considered the foundation of success in all studies. The aims of learning disputation are actually for Christians to argue against the enemies of their faith. Both teachers and students are required to live a Christian lifestyle. Similar to other Scottish universities during the 17 century, the paramount important part of Philosophy is that man's highest aim is to love god. This statement was not only written down in Commission and University records but also in repeated claims made by the regents[6].

3. Educational Purpose The University of Edinburgh gives Scottish students the opportunity to study locally, as well as teach students different knowledge as time changes. Furthermore, the University cultivates local talents within Scotland and has been able to foster them. Before the establishment of Edinburgh university, local students had to go to other places such as St Andrews University. In 1587, there were forty-seven graduates, which suggests a high level of demand for a university closer to home and cheaper than St Andrews[7]. The prior teaching system of Edinburgh was that only one tutor would teach a class through all four years of a student's studies. It does not appear like a good way of teaching anymore. However, one enormous advantage of that system is cheap, and it had remained in force until the eighteenth century[8]. For poorer students in Edinburgh, the Town Council decreed that the regents must instruct poor students without charging fee[9]. It provides an educational opportunity for students without sufficient financial ability. Before establishing the law school in Edinburgh, many Scottish students needed to study abroad if they pursued a law degree. By 1700, the University of the United Provinces of Netherland became the top choice for Scottish students. However, it was pretty expensive to study in Northern Netherlands, as it cost around £100 to £120 each year, which is equivalent to £10698 to £12838 now[10]. In 1695, the Faculty of Advocates estimated that around 9,000 sterling were used to support law students in Netherland[11]. So, it was necessary to create a law department in order to reduce Scotland's financial burden. Finally, in 1707 Queen Anne established the Chair of Public Law and the Law of Nature and Nations in the University of Edinburgh. Thankfully, the creation of this public law chair fills gaps in missing full law courses in Edinburgh[12]. Furthermore, the law department expanded quickly and became one of the best law schools in the world. Medical students also experience similar disadvantages to law students due to the fact that they had to go to Europe to study until medical chairs were created in Edinburgh University in 1726[13]. Gradually, instead of being financially supported by the town council, the University of Edinburgh became a place to support the city finances. In 1700, even before the establishment of the medical and law school, the cost of students to the city was at least around £5,200, which is quite a large amount of money in contemporary times[14]. The disciplines of the University of Edinburgh have also changed with the times and cultivated individuals that are in demand by society. Mr David Gregory, who became Professor of Mathematics in 1683, introduced Newton's Principle to Edinburgh students and became the first professor to give public lectures on Newtonian philosophy[15]. This example is good proof that the University of Edinburgh is constantly advancing. After William Carstares was appointed as the president of Edinburgh University, he added many subjects to Edinburgh for students. The curriculum broadened to language teaching, history. The content taught in the art's courses was modernized, and more science courses were introduced into the University as well.

4. Contribution to Society In addition to the primary education function that the University of Edinburgh had, it also made outstanding contributions to society in other ways. With the continuous change of Edinburgh's city status and world development, the University of Edinburgh also functioned differently as the environment changed. The chair of botany had a double origin. In the aspect of education, it provides a place for local surgeons and physicians to teach their apprentices. At the same time, it also fulfilled the needs of having competent keepers of the city’s various gardens which owned by

126 Crown, town or incorporation of Surgeons[16]. When they were teaching at the University, they also completed the work required by society at the time. During the colonization period, Britain needed people to work in the new colonies. However, in order to work in those colonies, they had to be able to speak their own languages. Therefore the University provided the required languages courses that were needed by each new nation. James Rabbi Robertson became the first at the University of Edinburgh to teach Arabic and Persian. Some of the students who were taught by him joined the East India corporation's service [17]. The University also played an important role in the European Enlightenment. The founding of the famous Edinburgh medical school can be seen as the Scottish Enlightenment's achievement [18]. At the same time, there was an increased demand for medics since British services were more open to Scots during that period. Thus, the founding of medical schools also meets the needs of society. Apart from the education facet, William Carstares reforms were essential for the Enlightenment in Scotland. The comprehensive nature of the discipline gives the opportunity to particular professors to express their ideological beliefs about social concerns. For example, James Beattie against the slave trade and William Robertson made claims about the abolition of slavery in "situation of the world"1755 as well- It was not the authority of 'any single precept in the gospel, but the spirit and genius of the Christian religion, more powerfully laying a particular command, which has abolished the practice of slavery throughout the world. Moreover, Adam Ferguson against standing armies unsupported the militias and Adam Smith completed the famous book “the wealth of nations” [19]. They both have made a considerable contribution to Scotland becoming an advanced democratic society.

5. Political Rivalry The University of Edinburgh also functions as a centre for political rivalry. Politicians arrange their own people to enter the University and cultivate their own power, hoping to educate future generations into the same political thought as themselves. Every principal and professor of divinity from 1690 until 1806 was chosen by politicians and had to be accepted by the city council [20]. Until the 1790s, the Council had the right to appoint all except the regius chairs and supervised all University activity by its Council committee [21]. The town council was not an independent body. The elections were greatly influenced by national politicians. All politicians choose the candidate who was expected to follow their political advice in the future. Therefore, most of the appointments of professorship were also influenced by politicians. And the majority of professors from 1583- 1760 were from the political classes. Edinburgh principals also played an important role in politics, and they received relatively high salaries at the same time [22]. So, the appointment of principals has always been influenced by national politicians as well, just like William Carstares, who was not only a great reformer but a pacifier for a troubled place. According to Academic Patronage in the Scottish Enlightenment: , Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities by Roger L. Emerson- “his political skills made him a valuable man who could keep order among restless and often lawless folk. He could soothe hotheaded clerics and find compromises which sensible men could embrace [23]." This comment clearly shows how important political skills are for Edinburgh principals. Religion also often became a tool of political rule. Although the Scottish reformation converted Scotland into a protestant nation, many highlanders were still predominantly Catholic, and their loyalty was to the House of Stuart [24]. Then, the University of Edinburgh became an excellent place to teach them English and Presbyterianism. After they received education in Edinburgh, they stopped going against the government, which reduced the amount of political instability. furthermore, Edinburgh University was a prominent place used to settle political disputes. There has been a long rivalry dating back to 1680 in Edinburgh, between the Incorporation of Surgeon-Apothecaries, who get support from the town council and physicians who get themselves a royal charter with the other group apothecaries siding with whichever party would serve their interests [25]. Both groups refused to cooperate with each other and tried their best to control medical practice in Edinburgh. Eventually, John Monro became the medical official who turned the rivalry into the peaceful compromise of creating a medical school. However, John Monro was also a Whig politician. With help from his friend George Drummond, Edinburgh medical 127 school was created in 1726. Edinburgh medical school placed medical teaching into a neutral arena where teaching was available to students from both groups. Moreover, afterwards, there was no dispute about the content of teaching being offered [26]. The political discord between the Incorporation of Surgeon-Apothecaries and physicians was settled successfully.

6. Conclusion According to the discussion above, it is easy to realize that from 1583 to 1760, the University of Edinburgh played different roles in different education fields in Scotland. It enabled students to learn unique Scottish Protestant ideas and change their religious principles with religious reform. As an educational institution, the advanced scientific knowledge taught by the University of Edinburgh echoes the development of the times. The establishment of the University of Edinburgh reduces the cost of studying abroad and provides the country with financial revenue while becoming known as a world-renowned university. At the same time, Edinburgh has also made outstanding contributions to social development. The University of Edinburgh takes on social responsibility and cultivates talents that society needs. The University of Edinburgh is also the stage of political struggle and the place to settle political disputes. The University of Edinburgh eventually became a world-renowned university while enhancing the reputation of the city of Edinburgh thanks to all of these things.

References [1] S. J. Reid, “godly Humanism, civil control：Scotland’s Protestant Arts colleges,1582-1606” in Humanism and Calvinism: Andrew Melville and the Universities of Scotland, 1560- 1625 (Farnham, 2011) 201–232 at page 201. [2] Michael Lynch the creation of a college in The University of Edinburgh: An Illustrated History (Edinburgh, 2003) at page 4. [3] R. B. Sher, ‘Professors of virtue: the social history of the Edinburgh moral philosophy chair’, in M.A. Stewart (ed.), Studies in the Philosophy of the Scottish Enlightenment at page 91. [4] E. Mijers, ‘The Netherlands, William Carstares, and the reform of Edinburgh University, 1690– 1715’, History of Universities. [5] C. Shepherd, ‘University life in the seventeenth century’, in Gordon Donaldson (ed.), Four Centuries: Edinburgh University Life, 1583-1983 (Edinburgh, 1983) at page 1. [6] C. Shepherd, ‘University life in the seventeenth century’ 13. [7] Michael Lynch the creation of a college 25. [8] Michael Lynch the creation of a college 24. [9] C. Shepherd, ‘University life in the seventeenth century’, in Gordon Donaldson (ed.), Four Centuries: Edinburgh University Life, 1583–1983 (Edinburgh, 1983) at page 5. [10] The calculation is from the website https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency- converter/#currency-result. [11] J. Cairns, ‘The origins of the Edinburgh law school’, Edinburgh Law Review, 11 (2007) at page 312. [12] Academic Patronage in the Scottish Enlightenment: Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities Roger L. Emerson at page 11. [13] R. L. Emerson, ‘The founding of the Edinburgh medical school: the real story’, Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences, 59 (2004) at page 188. [14] Academic Patronage in the Scottish Enlightenment: Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities Roger L. Emerson at page 351.

128 [15] R. K. Hannay, ‘The visitation of the college of Edinburgh in 1690’, Book of the Old Edinburgh Club, 8 (1916) at page 82. [16] R. L. Emerson, ‘The founding of the Edinburgh medical school: the real story’, Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences, 59 (2004) at page 188. [17] R. L. Emerson, Academic Patronage in the Scottish Enlightenment: Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities (Edinburgh, 2008) at page 237. [18] A. Cunningham, ‘Medicine to calm the mind: Boerhaave’s medical system, and why it was adopted in Edinburgh’, in Andrew Cunningham and Roger French (eds.), The Medical Enlightenment of the Eighteenth Century (Cambridge, 1990) at page 57. [19] R. B. Sher, ‘Professors of virtue: the social history of the Edinburgh moral philosophy chair’, in M.A. Stewart (ed.), Studies in the Philosophy of the Scottish Enlightenment at page 88. [20] R. L. Emerson, ‘The founding of the Edinburgh medical school: the real story’, Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences, 59 (2004) at page 186. [21] R. L. Emerson, Academic Patronage in the Scottish Enlightenment: Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities (Edinburgh, 2008) at page 231. [22] R. L. Emerson, Academic Patronage in the Scottish Enlightenment: Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities (Edinburgh, 2008) at page 211. [23] R. L. Emerson, Academic Patronage in the Scottish Enlightenment: Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities (Edinburgh, 2008) at page 335. [24] A. Cunningham, ‘Medicine to calm the mind: Boerhaave’s medical system, and why it was adopted in Edinburgh’, in Andrew Cunningham and Roger French (eds.), The Medical Enlightenment of the Eighteenth Century (Cambridge, 1990) at page 61. [25] A. Cunningham, ‘Medicine to calm the mind: Boerhaave’s medical system, and why it was adopted in Edinburgh’, in Andrew Cunningham and Roger French (eds.), The Medical Enlightenment of the Eighteenth Century (Cambridge, 1990) at page 63. [26] Cunningham, ‘Medicine to calm the mind: Boerhaave’s medical system at 65.

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