18th century European scholarly societies and academies/Philosophical Society of Edinburgh

Summary
Name of Society: Philosophical Society of Edinburgh

Alternate Names: Society for the Improvement of Medical Knowledge, Edinburgh Society for improving Arts and Sciences and Particularly Natural Knowledge

Country: Scottland

City: Edinburgh

Active Dates: 1731-1782

The Philosophical Society of Edinburgh was founded in 1731 to improve medical knowledge. The society published five volumes of its Medical Essays and Observations before it was suggested to be expanded to comprise literature and philosophy. With the addition of literature and philosophy came a new name and three volumes of Essays and Observations, Physical and Literary. Towards the end of the society's existence there was a strong push for a more permenent society. This wish was granted with the creation of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.