The Science Degrees Committee was set up in 1864 to regulate the study of scientific subjects in the University of Edinburgh. From the beginning of the University, Science subjects had been studied, but had been regulated in the Faculty of Arts and later the Faculty of Medicine. It was set up after a proposal by Sir Lyon Playfair in 1863 that a committee be set up to consider the provision of a Degree in Science. In 1864 the committee made its first report. The new degrees of Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Science were first offered in the Academic year 1864-1865 in Physical and Natural Science, Mental Science and Philology. The Science Degrees Committee oversaw the administration of these degrees until 1893 when the Faculty of Science was instituted. The Committee was disbanded and the Faculty of Science took over its responsibilities.