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The matriculation entry of Adam Smith in 1737. (GUAS Ref: GUA 26659 p96. Copyright reserved.)

As a Student

Adam Smith's matriculation record at the University and his awarding of one of the Snell exhibitions to study at Balliol College, Oxford.

The letter from Adam Smith accepting the post as Chair of Logic, 10th January 1751. (GUAS Ref: GUA 30349. Copyright reserved.)

As a Professor

Adam Smith's election, acceptance and admission to the Chairs of Logic (1751) and Moral Philosophy (1752) at the University.

In one of his administrative roles, Adam Smith acted as Curator of College Chambers, along with Hercules Lindsay, as recorded in the Senate minutes, 27th November 1759. (GUAS Ref: GUA 26641, p1. Copyright reserved.)

Professors' additional duties

Professors in the University were expected to undertake numerous administrative roles due to the relatively small number of staff.

Adam Smith's receipt for money from Principal Stirling's fund, 28th January 1756. (GUAS Ref: GUA 58171. Copyright reserved.)

Quaestor of the Library

Adam Smith was offically Quaestor (Treasurer) of the University, responsible for buying books for the Library, from 1758 to 1760.

Adam Smith was elected Dean of Faculty for 1760-61, as recorded in the Dean of Faculty meeting minutes, 26th June 1760. (GUAS Ref: GUA 26645, p100. Copyright reserved.)

Dean of Faculty

Adam Smith was elected Dean of Faculty in 1760.

In 1762 the University decided to make Adam Smith a Doctor of Laws, as recorded in the Dean of Faculty meeting minutes, 21st October 1762. (Guas Ref: 26645, p110. Copyright reserved.)

Honorary degree

Adam Smith awarded a Doctor of Laws.

Adam Smith was elected Praeses, presiding over University meetings when the Rector and an official Vice-Rector were not present, as recorded in the Senate minutes, 25th November 1762. (GUAS Ref: GUA 26642, p209. Copyright reserved.)

Vice-Rector and Rector

Adam Smith served as both Vice-Rector and Rector.