19. At University Doyle Befriended Robert Louis Stevenson
Conan Doyle studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh's Medical School between 1876 and 1881 - and during his time there he became friends with the creator of Treasure Island and the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Robert Louis Stevenson studied engineering - although he hated university and spent the majority of his time trying to actively avoid attending lectures. In fact, Stevenson - while away in Samoa - noticed the similarities between Sherlock Holmes and former University of Edinburgh lecturer Joseph Bell. He wrote to Conan Doyle:
"My compliments on your very ingenious and very interesting adventures of Sherlock Holmes... can this by my old friend Joe Bell?"