McGill University’s academic roots are in the study of medicine, its lone faculty until the creation of the Faculty of Arts in 1843. This was soon joined by law and architecture, then physics, chemistry and engineering, and the many faculties and departments added in the 20th century. While much of a student’s life is spent in university buildings, in lecture halls, and in libraries, vital learning also happens in fieldwork, both practical work placements and sometimes (in the case of agriculture) in literal fields. These objects bear witness to these studious moments and to the accomplishments that come along with them.
Admission card for practical anatomy course, 1853. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-02-042). Group portrait of civil engineering students, 1913. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-04-026). McGill library cards and stack permit, 1937-1942. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-02-102). McGill students awards banquet programme, 1950. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-02-133). James Watt medal, 1884. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-07-006). Medical student’s notebook. [G.]H. Burritt written on the cover, undated. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-03-013). McGill Medical Faculty dinner pin, 1908. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-07-026). McGill Shakespeare medal, 1864. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-07-028). Macdonald College banner, 1911. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-06-019). McGill handicrafts series booklets, 1944. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-01-285 to 4319-01-289). McGill Faculty of Medicine patch, undated. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-06-026). Centennial of Women at McGill medal, 1984. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-07-045). Elkington and Company McGill medal, 19th C. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-07-046). McGill cape pin, undated. McGill University Archives, (1994-0067.11.2). McGill exam booklet, 1948. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-02-049). Library of McGill College admission card, 1891. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-02-162). Library of McGill College admission card, 1873. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-02-163). Student Sketch book for Histology, 1900. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-03-014). Field notebook, McGill Mining School Survey, 1936. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-03-016). McGill mug, 1914. McGill University Archives, MG 4319 (4319-07-039).