Collection: Surgeons’ Hall Museums

Collection-level records:

• Collection history (Collection development policy)

  The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh was founded in 1505, with the Museums’ collections growing significantly from 1699 after ‘natural and artificial curiosities’ were publically sought. In the 1800s, the original museum expanded to include the remarkable collections of surgeon and anatomists, Sir Charles Bell and John Barclay. Originally developed as a teaching collection for students of medicine the collections have been on display to the public since 1832. The collections continued to grow mainly by donations from Fellows of the college and acquisition by previous Conservators. It contains one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the world and in addition includes surgical instruments, artefacts, college memorabilia and works of art. The collection was again strengthened by the donation of the significant dental collection established by Menzie Campbell in 1964.

  Source: Collection development policy

  Date: Not known

  Licence: CC BY-NC

• Collection overview (Collection development policy)

  The collections comprise of around 25,000 objects. The entire collection has been deemed a collection of National Significance gaining Recognised status in 2009. The core selection is divided into the following sections:

  Wolh Pathology Museum Collections

  The pathology specimens make up the majority of the collections and represent one of the largest and historic collections of surgical pathology in the world. It has been built up by many generations of Fellows and Conservators to further the educational opportunities for surgical students but it was also from its earliest times open to members of the public to improve general public understanding of medicine. The collection holds bone and tissue specimens and contains a large histology collection. The museum no longer actively collects human remain collections but undertakes a case by case review on any offers of donation.

  History of Surgery Collections

  The history of surgery collections contain a unique collection of surgical instruments and medical equipment dating from mid-17^th century through to current day. The collection also holds artwork both portraits of prominent surgeons and of anatomical artwork. Diagnostic and teaching material including, x-rays, slides, models and photographs add significantly to the collection. College memorabilia including furniture, silverware, robes and medals represent the history of the Royal College and its members. Key themes in this area include the beginnings of surgery, the development from trade to profession, the College and Scotland’s’ contribution to the development of surgery and medicine, military surgery, surgical techniques and surgical instrumentation.

  Dental Museum Collections

  The core of the dental collection was bequeathed by the dental historian John Menzie Campbell. It represents the development of dentistry from the earliest times through to modern day and is one of the finest in the UK. It holds dental instruments, artefacts, prints, paintings, engravings and models.

  Source: Collection development policy

  Date:

  Licence: CC BY-NC