Isobel Mitchell (fl1667)

(fl. 1667), Widow of the City Treasurer

In 1667 Isobel Mitchell, widow of John Scott, Treasurer of the City of Edinburgh, gave 26 books to the Library to the value of £30 including a Hebrew Bible printed in Amsterdam in 1657. Thomas Craufurd, regent in the College 1626-1662 and the first historian of the University, describes her donation as "the more esteemed because it is from a worthy matron and lover of learning, a good example to all others of her sex". Mistress Mitchell is the first recorded benefactress of the Library.