A - L
Robert Adam
1728 - 1792
Creator of many fine buildings, architect of Old College, alumnus of the University.
Charles Glover Barkla
1877 - 1944
Nobel Prize Physicist (1917) and Professor of Natural Philosophy (1913 -1944).
James Miranda Barry
c1795 -1865
Army surgeon & Inspector General of Hospitals in Canada, lived as a man, and believed to be the first woman graduate of the University (1812).
James Boswell
1740 - 1795
Lawyer and diarist, biographer of Dr Samuel Johnson, alumnus of the University.
Thomas Carlyle
1795 - 1881
Historian, author of 'The French Revolution', alumnus and Rector of the University.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
1859 - 1930
Author and creator of Sherlock Holmes, medical graduate of the University.
William Dick
1793 - 1866
Pioneer of Veterinary science and education, founder of the Royal Dick Veterinary School.
Sir Patrick Geddes
1854 - 1932
Biologist, sociologist, planner, founder of the first Scottish university student residence.
David Hume
1711 - 1776
Philosopher, historian, author of 'A Treatise of Human Nature', alumnus of the University.
James Hutton
1726 - 1797
Geologist, chemist, naturalist, father of modern geology, alumnus of the University.
Elsie Maud Inglis
1864 - 1917
Founder, Scottish Women's Suffrage Federation, Scottish Women's Hospitals, alumna of the University.
Sophia L. Jex-Blake
1840 - 1912
Physician, pioneer of medical education for women in Britain, alumna of the University.
Baroness Jennie Lee
1904 - 1988
An early female MP, first Minister for the Arts, founder of the Open University and graduate of the University.
Eric H. Liddell
1902 - 1945
Olympic 400 metres champion (1924), graduate of the University, teacher and missionary.
Joseph Lister
1827 - 1912
Founder of antiseptic medicine, Professor of Clinical Surgery at the University.
Clement Litil
c1530-1580
Advocate of a University in the City, benefactor and founder of the University's Library.
James Lorimer
1818 - 1890
Jurist, philosopher, alumnus Regius Professor of Public Law at the University.
This article was published on Jul 21, 2008