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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, founded in 1505, is one of the oldest medical incorporations in continuous existence in the world. The collections include an Archive, Library, and Surgeons’ Hall Museums.
The Archive dates back over 500 years with institutional records created by the College and its predecessor, the Incorporation of Surgeons and Barbers of Edinburgh. It includes early modern business papers; Council minutes; correspondence; records relating to governance, administration and committees, membership, training and examinations; architectural plans and photographs. We also hold records created by related medical institutions.
The Gift and Deposit (GD) collections were created by individuals in their professional and personal lives. These include correspondence; lecture notes; research notes; patient case notes; certificates and class cards; photographs, slides and film; anatomical and medical illustrations, and other artwork.
Library
The College Library is a well-resourced medical and surgical library, offering the latest in clinical texts, journals and electronic resources, as well as a wealth of fascinating historical stock dating from the 15th century.
Museum
Evolving from the College’s 500-year-old history, Surgeons’ Hall Museums include one of the largest human remains collections of surgical pathology in the world; surgical and medical instruments dating from mid-17th century through to current day; artworks including portraits and medical illustrations; and a significant dental collection representing the development of dentistry from trade to profession.
The Archive, Library and Museum collections continued to be developed today with new acquisitions and donations
Please use the contact details below for collection related enquiries:
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Library and Archive |
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Museum |