Three 18th century letters by an Edinburgh student

Scope and Content

This group of 3 letters discusses life and study at Edinburgh University.

Letter dated 21 April 1797:

  • Dates and duration of terms - Discussion about the courses in Botany and his admiration of his mentors

Letter dated 23 May 1797:

  • Expressing concern at not having a reply to his earlier letter

Letter dated 29 June 1799:

  • Giving reasons for not having responded to his father's previous correspondence - Notes that his mother has begun a course of mercury - Botanical studies

Administrative / Biographical History

William Adams was a medical student at Edinburgh University in the last few years of the 18th century - 1795-1800. While in the city, Adams had lived in North Hanover Street. His merchant father had lived in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and in Acton near Felton, Northumberland, between 1797 and 1799.

Access Information

Generally open for consultation to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance.

Acquisition Information

Material acquired January 2013. Accession no: E2013.45.

Archivist's Note

Catalogued by Graeme D. Eddie 09 August 2013