Doctor is a term literally signifying teacher. In the middle ages, from the twelfth century, it came into use as a title of honour for men of great learning, such as Thomas Aquinas (Doctor Angelicus), Duns Scotus (Doctor Subtilis), etc. It was first made an academical title by the University of Bologna, and emperors and popes soon afterwards assumed the right of granting universities the power of conferring the degree in law. The faculties of theology and medicine were soon included, but for a long time the faculty of arts retained the older title of Magister, until the German universities substituted that of Doctor. The title of Doctor is in some cases an honorary degree, and in other cases (as in medicine and science) conferred after examination. Research Doctor
Abbreviations
People
Research Doctor