Our History

The Alchemist Society can trace its roots back to February 1916 when Catherine F. Davidson and Matthew Houstoun founded the Glasgow University Alchemists Club to cater to the social well-being of the 4th year students. Catherine Davidson took the role of club president, a position which she held until 1918. Matthew Houstoun acted as a club secretary for 1 month before resigning and passing the role onto William Montieth.

The club carried on in this format until 1920 when, due to increasing membership numbers, the club syllabus was expanded to include a mixture of lectures, excursions to chemical works, and social meetings.

By the mid 1920's the society had too many members and was organising too many events too be run by just two people. The alchemist council was expanded to also include a senior and a junior vice president, a treasurer and a secretary for former students.

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Since then, the club has continued to grow to cater to more students and to host more events!

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Below is a list of all known presidents dating back to 1916.