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The University of Aberdeen.
IN the Reign of King Alexander the Second, Anno 121—there was a Studium Generale in Collegio Canonicorum; where there were Professors and Doctors of Divinity, and of the Canon and Civil Laws; and many Learned men have flou∣rished therein.
King James the Fourth, and Will. Elphinstoun, Bishop of Aberdeen, pro∣cured from Pope Alexander the 6th, the priviledge of an University in Aberdeen Anno 1494. It is endowed
with as ample priviledges as any University in Christendom; and particularly the Foundation re∣lates to the priviledges of Paris and Bononia; but hath no reference to Oxford, or Cambridge, because of the Wars between Scotland and Eng∣land at that time: The priviledges were afterwards confirmed by Pope Julius the Second, Clement the 7th, Leo the 10th, and Paul the Second; and by the Successors of K. James the Fourth.
The Bishop of Aberdeen is perpe∣tual Chancellor of this University, and hath power to visit in his own person, and to reform Abuses: And although he be not a Doctor of Di∣vinity, yet the foundation gives him power to confer that degree.
The Office of Vice-Chancellor resides in the Official or Commissary of Aberdeen.
The Rector, who is chosen yearly, with the Assistance of his Four As∣sessors,
is to take notice of Abuses, &c. in the University, and to make a return thereof to the Chancellor: If one of the Masters happen to be Rector, then is his power devolved upon the Vice Chancellor.
The Colledge was founded by Bishop William Elphinstone An. 1500. and was called the King's Colledge, because King James the Fourth took upon him and his Successors, the spe∣cial protection of it.
Persons endowed were,
A Professor of Humanity to teach the Grammar.
A Sub-principal to teach Philo∣sophy.
A Cantor.
A Sacrist.
Three Students of the Laws.
Three Students of Philosophy.
Six Students of Divinity; An Or∣ganist; Five Singing-Boyes, who were Students of Humanity.
Bishop Will Ephinstone, the Founder, built most part of the Fabrick; fur∣nished the great Steeple with Ten Bells; gave many costly Ornaments, as Hangings, &c. and many Books.
King James the Fourth bestowed upon the Colledge the Rents of the Hospital of St. Germans in Lothian, whereof the Tithes of the Parishes of Aberluthnot in Mernis, of Glen∣muick, and Glengardin in Mar, are a part: As also the Tithes of the Parish••s of Slanes and Furvie in Buchan.
King James the 6th bestowed up∣on it the Rents of the Carmelite Friers of Bamf; the Chaplainries of Westhall and Fallowroul.
King Charles the First gave to the Colledge two parts of the Revenues of the Bishoprick of Aberdeen, so long as the See should remain vacant, An. 1641. upon which Donation, eight Bursars more were endowed, and the University was called the Caroline University.
King Charles the Second, by the Advice of the Estates of Parliament, did bestow upon it Anno 1672. the stipends of all these Churches, wh••ch should happen to be vacant with∣in the Diocesses of Aberdeen, Murray, Ross and Cathnes; and that for seven years, following the Date of the Act.
William Stuart, Bishop of Aber∣deen, built the Library, Chapter-house, Vestry-house, a School, and Chambers for the Chaplains.
Gawin Dumbar, Bishop of Aber∣deen, built the South-quarter of the Colledge, and the Houses belonging to the Prebendaries; and did perfect
whatsoever Bishop Elphinstone left undone.
Nicholas Hay, Professor of the Ci∣vil Law, and Official of Aberdeen, gave maintenance for Bursars.
Duncan Sherar, Parson of Clat, gave certain Lands towards the main∣tenance of Bursars.
Robert Maitland, Dean of Aber∣deen, procured the annexation of the Deanry to the Colledge Anno 1579.
Walter Stewart Principal, procured the annexation of his Rectory of Methlick to the Colledge.
Sir Thomas Burnet of Leyis, en∣dowed three Bursars.
James Wat, Rector of Snaith in Yorkshire, gave certain Lands towards the maintenance of a Student of Di∣vinity.
Alexander Reid, Dr. of Physick, left in Legacy to the Colledge, two hundred pounds of English money: He also left his Books to the Li∣brary.
John Forbes, Doctor, and Professor of Divinity, did purchase two Hou∣ses; he left one for the accommoda∣tion of his Successors, Professors of Divinity; and the other for the use of the Cantor.
The following persons left their Books to the Library;
Alexander Strachan, Doctor and Professor of Divinity.
George Clerk, a Minister.
Thomas Garden.
George Anderson.
Sir Francis Gordon.
Alexander Blackhall, Student of Divinity, Resident at London.
Thomas Mercer, Burgess of Aber∣d••en.
An. 150—Hector Boeth, or Boyes, (descended from the Boeths of Pan∣bride in Angus) Born in Dundee, and Bred up in Letters in the Uni∣versity of Paris, was the first Prin∣pal: Besides his History of the
Scots, he wrote the Lives of the Bishops of Aberdeen.
Anno 153—Will. Hay Sub-princi∣pal, was his Successor.
Anno 1552. John Biffait continued six years, and resigned his place, be∣cause of his infirmity proceeding from long sickness, to
Anno 1558. Alexander Anderson, Sub principal, who was also Parson of Tyrie, and Vicar of Kinkell. This man was a great Scholar, and a subtil Disputant; but no great friend to the Colledge: For the hatred he bare to the Reformed Religion, he alienated some of the Colledge Revenues; de∣stroyed many of its Writings and Evidences, whereby many Lands and other Rents belonging to St. Ger∣mans, are quite lost; sold the Or∣naments, Books, and other furniture belonging to the Colledge. Com∣mendable he was in one thing; for when some of the Reformers would
have taken away the Lead and Bells he beat them away by violence
He was afterwards turned out, and the place conferred upon▪
Anno 1569. Alexander Arbuthnot (Brother to the Baron of Arbuthnot) Parson of Arbuthnot, and Logy Bu∣chan, a most Learned and pious Di∣vine.
Anno 1584. Walter Stewart, Sub-principal, was his Successor, a very hopeful person, taken away in the thirty sixth year of his Age.
Anno 1593. Upon his Death Da∣vid Rait (of the House of Hallgreen in the Mernis) Sub-principal, was preferred to the place: He continu∣ed Principal forty two years.
Anno 1634. To him succeeded William Leslie, D. D. Sub-principal, a man of great Learning: In his Time, Anno 1634. a storm of Wind beat down the Top of the great Steeple, which afterwards was built
more stately, consisting of 4 Arches, supporting a Crown with a Globe and Cross. Principal Leslie was for his Loyalty thrust out by the Covenan∣ters, and in his room was Elected,
Anno 1640. William Guild, Doctor of Divinity, Minister in Aberdeen, and one of the Chaplains to King Charles the First, a Learned and worthy person: He built the Trades∣mens Hospital in Aberdeen; left con∣siderable Legacies to the Poor, and bequeathed his Books to the Libra∣ry of St. Andrews.
Anno 1649. The General Assembly gave a Commission to some Mini∣sters, and Lay Elders, to reform the Colledge, and to expel the Malig∣nants.
Dr. Will. Guild, Principal.
Alex. Middleton, Sub-principal.
The Commissioners at that time did not unanimously agree whom to put in; and considering Winter drawing near, that the Colledge would not be well governed, unless there were a Principal or Sub-prin∣cipal; therefore they ordered the Sub-principal to continue, till his place was supplied by another. Shortly after, the Masters restored the Principal, in despite of all op∣position, to his place.
Anno 1651. General Monk sent five Collonels to reform the Colledge. Collonel Fenwick, Moseley, Disbur∣rough, Owen and Smith. At this Re∣formation, both Principal, and Sub-principal, were turned out. Gilbert Reule was substituted in the room of the latter; and the place of the former was conferred upon▪
Anno 1652. John Row, an Inde∣pendent Minister in Aberdeen, a person well seen in the Latine and Greek Languages, and not ill in the Hebrew. In his Time Anno 1657. was laid the Foundation of the New Work, in the North-East corner of the Colledge, of six Stories high, consisting of 24 Chambers, with Chimnies, & conveniencies, a School, and a Bulliard-house. The Money that built it was given by the Ma∣sters & other well disposed persons, whose names are written in a Re∣gister called Album Amicorum Colle∣gii Regii Abredonensis. Mr. Row continued Principal till Anno 1661. At which time William Rait, Minister at Brichen, was preferred to the place; he stayed only a year, and returned to Brichen.
Anno 1662. Alex. Middleton, Minist. in old Aberdeen, and Sub-principal, of whom before, succeeded him.
The Professor of Divinity was founded by the Bishop, Synod and Colledge of Aberdeen Anno 162—The first Professor was
John Forbes, Doctor of Divinity, a most pious, peaceable and Learned Divine; he continued till the year 163—And being by the Magistrates of Aberdeen chosen to be one of the Ministers of the Town, he left for his Successor
Anno 1634. Andrew Strachan, Dr. of Divinity, who lived little above a year after his Instalment.
Anno 1635. Dr. Forbes was chosen Professor again, and continued, till for his Loyalty, he was thrust out by the Covenanters, Anno 1639. Shortly after he went into Holland, where he published his Instructiones Historico-Theologicae; and returning
home, died in his house of Corse: Anno 164—William Douglass, Mini∣ster at Forgue, succeeded Dr. Forbes: He died Anno 1665.
Anno 1673. Henry Scougall, Parson of Achterless, was after some years vacancy, preferred to the place.
The Election of the Rector, Dean of Faculties, Professor of the Orien∣tal Languages, Professors of Philo∣sophy, &c. is by the major part of the Masters: The Principal, and rest of the Prebendaries, are chosen not only by the major part, but also by four Procuratores Nationum: In all the Elections the Foundation gives the Principal one great priviledge: Volumus enim ut in hisce omnibus Electionibus Principalis habeat vocem nominativam, Electivam & Conclusi∣vam; which seems to be a negative voice inherent to him.
If a place be vacant, a Bursar or Alumnus, is to be preferred before
any other, if he be sufficiently quali∣fied: If a vacant place be not filled within one month, then it falls to the Chancellor jure devoluto, who presents one for that time.
The Procuratores Nationum, their having a Voice in the Election, im∣ports the Like to be in the Scholars, from whom they derive their power of Voting: The Scholars are divided into four Classes, according to the number of Diocesses, or Provinces, wherein they live.
The Provinces are these;
1. Provincia Abredonensis, con∣tains the Shires of Aberdeen and Bamf.
2. Provincia Moraviensis, includes all those Countries that lye on the North-side of the River Spey.
3. Provincia Augusiensis, contains Angus, and Mernis.
4. Provincia Laudoniensis, com∣prehends, besides Lothian, all the rest of Scotland.
The Students of each Province, do chuse a Procurator, to give up their Votes in the Election.
Every Michaelmas the Masters convene after the ending of the Ten weeks Vacation, and a Problema is affixed on the Colledge Gates, in∣viting young Scholars to come and dispute for a Burse (which is their maintenance at the Colledge.) To these are prescribed Exercises or Theams to make, then Latine Au∣thors in prose and verse to expound, and the first four (for so many Bur∣ses are void at every Commence∣ment) who are reckoned to be the best Scholars, are preferred.
In October the Students begin to convene: They wear a Scarlet Gown with hanging Sleeves; and these who are Bursars, a black Gown with a Girdle: Their time of continuance at the University is four years: They are ranked into four Classes.
To those of the first Class is taught the Greek Language.
The Students of the second Class learn Logicks and Metaphysicks.
Those of the third (who at the years end are Batchelors of Arts) do learn Ethicks and general Physicks.
The fourth and highest Class do compleat their course with special Physicks and Mathematicks.
The time of Commencement of Masters of Arts, is in July: The man∣ner thus, as in all other of the Uni∣versities.
These who are to receive their degrees, do publish their Theses, some daies before the Commence∣ment, inviting all Learned men and Scholars to come and dispute.
At the day appointed, great pre∣parations are made; the Candidates apparelled in black, with black Gowns: and at Ten of the Clock all go into the publick School, where
the Professor of Philosophy, or Re∣gent, who is to confer the degree (or in some Colledges the Principal confers the degree) makes a long Speech, beginning with prayer, to the Auditors; which being ended, the Disputes begin, and continue till Four or Five of the Clock: Then they take a little refreshment, and so return to the Graduation or Lau∣riation.
The following Oath is tendered to the Candidati.
Ego A. B. coram Omniscio & Om∣nipotenti Deo, Religionem & Fidem, unicam & solam Orthodoxam, in Ec∣clesia Scoticana palam propositam, pro∣fessurum me, & ab omnibus Pontisi∣ciorum & aliorum quorumcunque hae∣resibus longe abhorrentem, spondeo, voveo juro: Insuper, Ʋniversitati huic, almae Parenti, cui hanc ingenii culturam debeo, liberaliter relaturum me nutritiam quam potero, eâdem fide
solenniter promitto: Quod si fidem, sciens & volens, fefellero, arcanorum cordis recessuum Scrutatorem Deum, ultorem & vindicem non recuso: Ita me adjuvet Deus. After the Oath, one of the Candidati ascends the Desk; and the Regent taking into his hand a Hat, or Cap, with these following words, doth give him his Degree.
Ego eadem Authoritate, quam sum∣mi ac potentissimi principes Almae huic Ʋniversitati amplissimam indulsere Te A. B. in Artibus liberalibus, & Disciplinis ••hilosophicis Magistrum creo, proclamo, constituo, renuncio, Tibi∣que potestatem do, legendi, scribendi, omniaque id genus alia committendi, quae hîc, aut ubivis gentium, Artium Magistris concedi solet: Et in signum manumissionis Tuae: Caput Tuum hoc pileo (putting the Cap on the Scho∣lars head) adorno, Quod ut Tibi fae∣lix faustumque sit, Deum optimum,
maximum precor: Insuper, librum hunc tibi apertum trado; ut ingenii tui aliquod specimen coram celebri hoc coetu edas, rogo.
Then the Graduate hath a short Speech to the Auditors, and so the Ceremony is ended, with clapping of hands, sounding of Trumpets, Shoutings, &c. Thus are all the Candidati graduated one after ano∣ther.
John Menzies, Professor of Divi∣nity in the Marischal Colledge of Aberdeen, Rector.
Dr. Lewis Gordon, Dean of Faculty.
Alexander Middleton, Dean of Aberdeen, Principal.
Henry Scougall Prof. of Divinity.
Sir Geo Nicolson Prof of The Laws.
Patrick Ʋrqhuart, Dr. and Profes∣sor of Physick.
George Middleton, Sub-principal and Professor of Philosophy.
Patrick Gordon, Prof. of Humanity, and of the Oriental Languages.
Robert Forbes Prof. of Philosophy.
John Buchan Prof. of Philosophy.
Geo. Middleton Prof. of Philosophy.
There are also a Student of Divinity,
15 Bursars of Philosophy: And
A Cantor, who is Master of the Musick-School in the Town.
An Oeconomus.
A Janitor.
A Cook.
A Gardener, and other inferiour Servants.
Hector Boeth, Principal, according to the Time he lived in, was very considerable, a great Philosopher, and much commended by Erasmus for his Eloquence. Buchanan, who could well discern of Learned men,
speaking in a certain place of him, saith, Quod non solum artium libera∣lium cognitione supra quam illa ferebant tempora insignis erat, sed etiam huma∣nitate & comitate singulari praeditus. That he was not only notably Learn∣ed in the Liberal Sciences above the condition of those Times; but also of an exceeding courteous, and hu∣mane inclination; yet he is traduced by some of the English Writers, for a Fabulous and partial Historian: But they who please to peruse his Hi∣story, will perceive that that is spo∣ken out of passion and malice, and not upon any just account.
John Lesley, Canonist in the King's Colledge, and Official of Aberdeen, was a very worthy person, and of great Learning in those daies he lived in: He suffered much for his Loyalty to his Princess Queen Mary.
John Forbes, Dr. and Professor of Divinity: All that I shall say of this great man is, that he was one of the
best Scholars that ever our Kingdom bred, as will appear to all that ever read his Instructiones Historico-Theologicae; which these very un∣happy Times suffered him not to finish, to the great regret of all Learned men: His Irenicum doth also shew both his Learning, and Moderation: His piety and devotion was so signal, that his name will be alwaies remembred there, with great honour.
William Guild, D. D. Principal; he wrote Commentaries on several Books of the Old Testament, a Sy∣stem of Divinity, and many Treatises against the Papists: He had a fair Estate, which he left to pious uses.
Arthur Johnson, Doctor of Phy∣sick, and Rector of the University, was an excellent Poet.
William Douglass, Professor of Di∣vinity, a man of great industry; he wrote some little Treatises.
There were also three Brothers descended from a Noble Family, Duncan, Thomas and Gilbert Burnet, who were bred here, and were in great esteem. The first was a Dr. of Physick, and practised in Norwich; he was Learned, holy, and good. The second was of the same profes∣sion, and likewise in great esteem in Braintrey, where he practised Phy∣sick. The third was a professor of Philosophy, first at Basil, then at Montaubon, and was in such esteem there, that a National Synod of the Protestants in France appointed his Philosophical Writings to be printed at the expence of the Clergy: But he dying before his Manuscripts were Put in order, only his Book of Ethicks was printed; they all three flourished about the year 1630.
George Middleton, Dr. of Physick, was once a professor of Philosophy here, a man of considerable parts,
and good Learning, and well skilled in the practise of Physick.
William Gordon, Dr. and Professor of Physick here, was a very worthy person, of great judgment, and well seen in that Science: He died Anno 164—
James Sandilands, Doctor, and Professor of the Laws here, and Official of Aberdeen, was a Learned man, and a great Civilian: He died Anno 164—
Many other Learned men have been Professors here, beside those who have had their Education in this Colledge.
The Marischal Colledge of Aber∣deen, was founded by George Keith, Earl Marischal, Anno 1593.
Persons endowed were,
A Principal.
Three Professors of Philosophy.
Since that there hath been added,
A Professor of Divinity,
And
A Professor of Mathematicks.
A fourth Professor of Philosophy.
Twenty four poor Scholars.
George Earl Marischal, Founder, gave towards the maintenance of the Professors, certain Lands, lying near Aberdeen; and at Bervie in Mernis.
The Town of Aberdeen built most part of the Edifice.
Thomas Wood left an Annual Sal∣lary to a Library-keeper.
Bernard Cargill gave a conside∣rable sum of Money towards the maintenance of a Professor of Ma∣thematicks.
Sir Alexander Irwing of Drum, left in Legacy towards the maintenance of poor Scholars, or Bursars of Philo∣sophy and Divinity, a thousand pound sterling.
King Charles the First bestowed upon the Colledge, the third part of the Rents of the Bishoprick of Aber∣deen, so long as the See should con∣tinue vacant, Anno 1641.
Alexander Reid, Dr. of Physick, left in Legacy to the Colledge, and Grammar-School, two hundred pounds sterling.
Alexander Ross, D. D. Minister in Aberdeen.
William Guild, D. D. Minister in Aberdeen.
Patrick Dun, Dr. of Physick, each of them gave money to maintain Bursars: Several of the B••nefactors left their Books to the Library.
Anno 1593. Robert How, the first Principal.
Anno 159—Gilbert Gray.
Anno 160—Andrew Aidie.
Anno 161—William Forbes, Dr. of Divinity, afterwards B. of Edinburgh.
Anno 162—Patrick Dun, Dr. of Physick.
Anno 1639. William Moir.
Anno 1663. James Leslie, Dr. of Physick.
Anno 162—Robert Baron, Dr. and Professor of Divinity, afterwards B. Elect of Orkney.
Anno 164—John Menzeis.
Patrick Sibald, Rector.
Robert Paterson, Principal.
Duncan Liddel, Professour of the Mathematicks.
George Peacock, Sub-principal, and Professour of Philosophy.
George Paton, Robert Farquar, James Lorimer, Professours of Phi∣losophy. The Earl Marischal is the
only Patron of this Colledge.
William Forbes D. D. Principal, was a Person of rare endowments, vast learning, and a celebrated Prea∣cher: He was the first Bishop of E∣dinburgh, and indeed a Holy Person; of whom all that ever knew him, gave this Character: That they ne∣ver saw him, but they thought his heart was in Heaven; he was indeed a fit pattern to all that should come after him.
Robert Baron, Doctor, and Pro∣fessour of Divinity, was a Person of incomparable worth, and learning, he had a clear apprehension of things, and a rare faculty of making the hardest things easily understood, he is well known by his Book, De ob∣jecto formali fidei, and his Metaphy∣sicks, and other small Treatises: there
are many other Manuscripts of his, which are not yet Published, and he bare the greatest part of that famous debate, Anno 1638, between the Doctours of Aberdeen, and the Covenanters.
Alexander Reid, Doctor of Phy∣sick, was bred here, he became very famous in London, and left a great part of his Estate to pious uses, in and about the places of his Education.
Duncane Liddel, Doctor of Phy∣sick, was bred here, and much estee∣med for his learned Writings, as his Book De febribus, and several other Books which he wrote.
Sir Alexander Fraser, His Ma∣jesties first Physician, was educated in Aberdeen, whose learning, and happy practice of Physick, as they raised him to such esteem, and dig∣nity, so his constant loyalty, and ••••gh generosity did answer that no∣ble Race of Frasers, from whom he descended,