EZ丛书馆 - 03-爱丁堡大学

The youngest of Scotland’s four ancient universities,
the University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583 by
royal charter from James IV, King of Scotland. Although
the school remained small during its early years, it began
growing along with Edinburgh in the 18th century.
The university played a key role in the city’s transformation
into an intellectual capital during the Scottish Enlightenment,
helping it earn the title of “Athens of the North.” Edinburgh
attracted leading Enlightenment figures like philosopher David
Hume and economist Adam Smith, and the university also became
an important center of scientific and medical research.
The University of Edinburgh’s proud intellectual tradition continues
to the present day. Edinburgh is not only the top school in Scotland,
but also ranks 17th in the world. The school’s huge College of
Humanities offers over 300 undergraduate and 200 graduate
programs, and its College of Medicine and College of Science
and Engineering are famous for fostering world-class researchers.
Achievements associated with Edinburgh faculty and alumni include
the discovery of penicillin and the SARS virus, the development of
IV therapy and the hepatitis B vaccine, and the invention of the
syringe and the decompression chamber.
While the University of Edinburgh has never had a dedicated campus,
most of the school’s buildings are located in and around the city’s
historic Old Town. Completed in 1831, the Old College, with its
beautiful neoclassical architecture, is the school’s oldest surviving
building and an Edinburgh landmark. Other noteworthy buildings
include New College,with its Gothic towers, and Teviot Row House,
the world’s oldest student union. While you’re in Old Town, be sure to
visit the Royal Mile, home to Edinburgh Castle at one end and
Holyrood Palace—the Queen’s residence in Scotland—at the other.
And if you still have time, head north to New Town to admire the Georgian
architecture, go kilt and whisky shopping on Princes Street and have an
Edinburgh ale at a local pub.