Historic alumni

The story of James Barry is one of the most remarkable in the University of Edinburgh's history. Born Margaret Ann Bulkley, Barry's identity as a woman was a secret until after death.

British physician and pioneer for medical education for women, Sophia Jex-Blake studied medicine at Edinburgh but was forced to take her degree in Switzerland.

Naturalist and geologist Charles Darwin’s radical ideas shaped modern thinking about where we come from.

Lord Joseph Lister was the founder of antiseptic medicine and aseptic surgery, and Regius Professor of Clinical Surgery.

James Young Simpson was a pioneer of anaesthetics, Professor of Midwifery, and an alumnus of the University of Edinburgh.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was the author of the Sherlock Holmes series of novels and stories, a physician, and an alumnus of the University of Edinburgh.

William Dick was a pioneer of veterinary science and education, and the founder of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Elsie Inglis was the founder of the Scottish Women's Suffrage Federation and Scottish Women's Hospitals, and an alumna of the University of Edinburgh.

Benjamin Rush was a signatory of the American Declaration of Independence, a physician, and an alumnus of the University of Edinburgh.

Sir Robert Sibbald was a Professor of Medicine, the founder of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and an alumnus of the University of Edinburgh.