New resources - CAHSS

Student notes taken by George Dalgliesh on natural philosophy lectures given by Thomas Craufurd, 1660-1662; Coll-2012

This remarkably well-preserved notebook contains lectures on the works of Aristotle, dictated by Thomas Craufurd, and taken down by University of Edinburgh student George Dalgliesh. Best-known as the author of the first published history of Edinburgh University, Craufurd was Regent of Philosophy at the University from 1641 until his death in 1662. At this time, a single ‘regent’ (i.e., tutor) took the same class through all four years of their degree course, teaching all subjects himself. These notes, which cover the third and fourth years of Dalgliesh’s degree, provide major insight into the mid-17th-century philosophy curriculum, which, besides logic and metaphysics, also incorporated scientific topics such as physics, astronomy, and anatomy. Craufurd, in fact, was teaching at a pivotal moment in the history of philosophy, as the old Aristotelian traditions were challenged by the new thinking of Descartes, Boyle. and the Cambridge Platonists.

Did you know the Library has access to almost all available ProQuest primary source databases until 31 December 2021? 

These databases allow you to explore 600 years worth of world history and, along with the wide and varied range of digital primary source databases the Library already gives you access to, can help enrich your learning, teaching and research.

Find out more about ProQuest Access 350