Did you know...?
Why doesn't St Andrews have an apostrophe?
Because the name of the town predates the use of the apostrophe, which dates from the 16th century.
Why is St Andrews so important in the history of photography?
Because of the friendship between David Brewster, Professor of Natural Philosophy at St Andrews, and Fox Talbot, pioneer of early photography.
Who was the first graduate of the University?
William Yellowlock in 1413
Who was the first female graduate of the University?
Agnes Forbes Blackadder in 1895. For more details, click here
What does "Muniments" mean?
"Muniments" are defined as legal records, deeds and other evidence of title. The term has been expanded to describe the historical record or archive of the University. Our earliest documents date from 1215. In short, the Muniments Collection is the University's archive of non-current records.
Who was the first student on Court?
The first student to serve on the Court of the University of St Andrews was John H E Arnold. In November 1970 the SRC decided that its president would serve as Rectors Assessor and John Arnold held that office. He took up his position of Rectors Assessor for John Cleese, elected Rector on 18 November 1970. He attended Court meetings with John Cleese, who took the chair, from 26 November 1970 until his resignation in May 1973, just before he graduated. After he left office, the Court recorded in its minutes its sincere thanks to Mr Arnold who was the first undergraduate student to have served on the Court, for his valuable services, and in particular, for his untiring efforts in maintaining friendly relations between the Court and the student body.
What does LLA stand for?
Lady Literate in Arts. The LLA was a 'distance learning' qualification for women, introduced to allow them access to University education in the days before they were admitted as students to the University itself. Students studied at colleges local to them, and sat examinations set by the University, at centres all over the UK and in many places throughout the world. Many thousands of women participated in the LLA scheme, which was so popular that it survived for 50 years, into the 1930s - long after women were admitted as full-time students. For further information, click here, or see the article 'Literate Ladies: a Fifty-Year Experiment' by R.N. Smart in St Andrews University Alumnus Chronicle, 1968, vol. 59 LLA article (PDF, 969 KB)
How was it possible to gain an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree without attending the University?
Although St Andrews was allowed to award medical degrees under the terms of its foundation in the early 15th century, in fact there was no organised scheme of medical teaching which could be termed a 'Medical School' until late in the 19th century. From 1690s until the 1830s, the degree of MD was usually awarded on the basis of testimonials provided on behalf of the candidates by 'eminent practitioners', who testified that they knew the candidate, that he had suitable education, character and experience, and was therefore fit for the degree. The University Senatus awarded the degree in absentia. The entire process was conducted by post, and the candidate did not normally have to visit the University at all.
Most of the candidates were men who had already established themselves in medical practice, and who had followed the usual route in the period, through surgery.
In the 1830s, examinations (by viva) were introduced, and the candidates had to come to St Andrews to sit them. It was not until later in the century, however, that courses of instruction leading to medical degrees were introduced.
For further information about medical teaching in the University, see John S.G.Blair, History of Medicine in the University of St Andrews, Edinburgh, Scottish Academic Press, 1987
How do I go about depositing a book, manuscript or photograph in the Library?
Please contact us at speccoll@st-andrews.ac.uk or phone 01334 462339, and we will discuss with you the various issues involved with donating or depositing material, and will advise you regarding whether the Library is the most appropriate place for the items you have.
Do you provide valuations?
No. For valuations, either for personal or insurance purposes, you should seek the assistance of a reputable dealer or auction house.