Privately endowed but state-supported university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
It was founded in 1821 through a gift left by the Scottish-born Canadian merchant James McGill (17441813). It is internationally known for its work in chemistry, medicine, and biology. In addition, it has faculties of agricultural and environmental sciences, arts, dentistry, education, engineering, law, management, music, religious studies, and science. The language of instruction is English, though students may write examinations in French.