William Turner (University Principal)

Sir William Turner (born 7 January 1832 in Lancaster, died 15 February 1916 in Edinburgh) was a British anatomist and was the Principal of Edinburgh University from 1903 to 1916.

Turner was educated at various private schools, and afterwards studied medicine at St. Bartholomew's hospital, and graduated M.B. at London University. In 1854 he became senior demonstrator in anatomy at Edinburgh University. Turner was appointed Professor of Anatomy at the University of Edinburgh in 1867.

Turner held the position of president of the General Medical Council from 1898 to 1904, and in 1900 was president of the British Association. He was knighted in 1886 and made a K.C.B. in 1901. Turner was best known as a brain surgeon, and published various valuable papers on the subject. He died at Edinburgh Feb. 15 1916.

Turner House in Pollock Halls of Residence at Edinburgh University is named after him.