University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is an ancient institution in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, spread across several locations throughout the city. Historic buildings stand in Old Town alongside modern lecture halls and libraries, while newer sites like Kings Buildings to the south house scientific laboratories and research facilities.

The institution received its royal charter in 1583 from King James VI, becoming the fourth Scottish university. Its growth from the 18th century onward shaped Edinburgh's reputation as an intellectual center during the Scottish Enlightenment and beyond.

The institution is woven into Edinburgh's daily life, with students filling the city's cafes and bookshops during term time. Traditions like graduation ceremonies in McEwan Hall or public guest lectures open parts of the campus to visitors and locals alike.

The sites are spread across the city, some within walking distance of the center, others like the medical quarter and Kings Buildings located farther south. Many buildings are open to the public during the day, and libraries and museums like Talbot Rice Gallery offer visiting opportunities.

Researchers here developed chloroform for anesthesia in the 19th century and later contributed to the discovery of the Higgs boson particle. Less known is that the Old College library holds an original manuscript by Charles Darwin written during his early research years.