Having been inspired by Anderson's College in Glasgow, Horner established the School to provide practical knowledge of science and technology to Edinburgh's working men.[6][2]: 64–66 The institution was initially of modest size, giving lectures two nights a week in rented rooms[8] and boasting a small library of around 500 technical works.[6][7]: 100 It was also oversubscribed, with admissions soon closing despite the cost of 15 shillings for a year's access to lectures and the library.[6]