The History of Surgery gallery explores Edinburgh's significant contribution to modern surgical practice, sharing the history the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, from its founding in 1505 as the guild of Barber Surgeons.
Through a range of collections, these displays explore pivotal surgical milestones, spotlighting influential figures such as James Syme and his work in pre-anaesthesia surgery, Joseph Lister’s groundbreaking discovery of antiseptic techniques, and James Young Simpson’s pioneering use of chloroform as an anaesthetic.
A standout feature is the Anatomy Theatre with an interactive dissection table, recreating the first public dissection held in Scotland in 1702. The galleries also share social history stories such as Arthur Conan Doyle's time studying at the College and the inspiration he drew from his professor, surgeon Joseph Bell, whom he credited as the model for Sherlock Holmes.
The displays also explore the historical case of Burke and Hare, whose crimes involved selling the bodies of murdered people as cadavers to the medical profession. This highlights the darker side of medicine, including the use of dissection as a form of punishment. Collections displayed include a pocketbook said to be made from Burke’s skin and his death mask.
