Surgeons' Hall Museums

Surgeons’ Hall Museums explore the history of medicine and the development of surgery and dentistry throughout the centuries.  The Royal College of Surgeons was founded in 1505, creating the Museum in 1699. The College is dedicated to the education, training and a rigorous examination of surgical practices.

Exhibitions

The Wohl Pathology Museum is located on the top floor where visitors will be able to see an interesting collection on the study of diseases.

The History of Surgery Museum is found on the ground floor. The museum explores Edinburgh’s contribution to the practice of modern surgery. The early days of surgery were poorly defined, which led to many barbers performing complicated surgery without any medical knowledge.

Through the years, important discoveries were made such as the use of chloroform as an anaesthetic before operations. The museum also houses a mock anatomy theatre

There is also a Dental Collection where visitors can see the evolution of dental techniques throughout the centuries as well as a display of surgical instruments.

Curious and a little disturbing

Surgeons’ Hall Museums is the major medical museum in Scotland, an instructive place for locals and visitors interested in Medicine. It features surgical instruments and equipment as well as specimens, including human remains in chloroform, which might be a little disturbing for children, or those of a delicate disposition.