The Encyclopaedia Britannica was founded in 1788 by a “Society of Gentlemen in Scotland.” It became the property of Sears, Rosebuck & Co. in 1920 under Julius Rosenwald. Though offered in February 1943 to the University of Chicago, it was instead personally acquired by the University’s vice president, William Benton. The University’s faculty became involved with the production of the Encyclopaedia, including Chancellor Robert M. Hutchins, who took a leave of absence in 1946 to guide the adult education program of the Encyclopaedia. During these years, the Encyclopaedia’s title pages noted that it was "edited with the advice of the faculties of the University of Chicago."
From the guide to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., Board of Editors. Records, 1949-1968, (Special Collections Research Center University of Chicago Library 1100 East 57th Street Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.)
