Lunch Time Talk: A Tale of Two Henrys – the Story of ‘Gray’s Anatomy’

Date(s): 14 May 2025

Time: 1.15pm

Cost: £3

Age Restrictions: 16+

Booking Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-tale-of-two-henrys-the-story-of-grays-anatomy-tickets-1252990300719?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us for this bite sized lunch time talk exploring the history of medicine.

College Librarian Steven Kerr looks at the origins and legacy of the most famous medical textbook of all time - “Anatomy: Descriptive and Surgical”, produced in 1858 by anatomists Henry Gray and Henry Vandyke Carter. The talk will include the difficult relationship between its creators; the controversial reception the book received on publication; and how the work was eventually to become known around the world simply as “Gray’s Anatomy”.

After the talk attendees will also have the opportunity to visit RCSEd Library to view the unique pre-publication proofs of ‘Gray’s Anatomy’ with handwritten notes by Henry Gray, as well as a rare first edition of the book.

Important Refund Information: Please note that included in your ticket prices is a 96p booking charge which is non-refundable. This is part of Eventbrite terms and conditions and is not at the discression of Surgeons Hall Museums.

Content Warning: Our collections contain human remains as well as representations of anatomy, injury, and disease that some may find upsetting.