[Andres Bello and the origins of the University of Chile].

During colonial times the Royal University of San Felipe was founded in 1738. The first plan for medical studies was outlined in 1779. During the Independence, the National Institute created in 1813 took over higher education. The first Course of Medicine was dictated there in 1833. The University of San Felipe was replaced by the University of Chile in 1842. Andrés Bello, its first Rector, developed the constituting laws of the University.