IT and Libraries: The National Library of Scotland digitized and made the first edition of ‘Encyclopaedia Britannica’ available to all

An online copy of the first edition of ‘Encyclodaedia Britannica’ has been published by the National Library of Scotland.

It was exactly 250 years ago that the first pages of 'Britannica' were published in Edinburgh. The first edition emphasised two themes — modern science and Scottish identity.

‘Britannica' was conceived by printer Colin Macfarquhar, engraver Andrew Bell, and William Smellie, who edited the first edition. Originally issued in 100 weekly parts, it took three years to produce and consisted of three volumes when it was completed in 1771.

Subsequent editions expanded during the 19th century, often featuring content written by experts in their field. By the 20th century 'Encyclopaedia Britannica' was a household name throughout the English-speaking world.