The Diagnostic Society of Edinburgh

The Diagnostic Society of Edinburgh is a debating society in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Diagnostic Society was founded in 1816 and subsequently absorbed the Dialectic Society established in 1787 from which it takes its foundation date.[1] It claims to be the oldest society in Edinburgh and also the oldest debating society in Great Britain.[2] The Society traditionally meets on alternate Thursday evenings for public debates. Each meeting is lit by candlelight and attendees wear their individual National Dress or black tie.[3] Meetings consist of “the prosecution of literary and philosophical composition, criticism, and debate".[4]

The Diagnostic Society of Edinburgh
Formation1787
TypeStudent debating union
HeadquartersEdinburgh
Location
President
F. Tyson and A. Grut
The Diagnostic Society Patent

References

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  1. ^ "History of the Dialectic Society". T. & A. Constable. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  2. ^ "The Diagnostic Society Website". diagnosticsociety.co.uk. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  3. ^ "Borrowed traditions for Britains new university". The Telegraph. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
  4. ^ "The history of the Speculative society, 1764-1904". T. and A. Constable. Retrieved 3 December 2017.