Article: Scotland. (mineral collectors in Scotland during the 18th century) (The History of Mineralogy: 1530-1799)

Edinburgh in the 17th and 18th centuries was among the most respected centers of learning in Europe. Chemistry, geology and medicine flourished there in about equal proportions, producing many important mineral collectors.

Among the earliest Scottish collectors was Sir Andrew Balfour (1630-1694), born at Balfour Castle in Fifeshire. He began to study natural history and medicine at the University of St. Andrew, then transferred to Oxford, following which he studied for some years in Paris and Padua. He received his M.D. degree at Caen, France, in 1661 and took up medical practice in London for a time, then traveled again on the continent for another 15 years, finally ...

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