Surgeons' Hall Museum

16/10/2026

A portion of our upper History of Surgery gallery will be closed from Monday the 19th of October until Friday the 23rd of October while we install a new display. We apologise for any inconvenience.

15/10/2026

A marble sculpture taken from a plaster cast of James Syme's own hand. The Latin words ‘Dextra Magister’ mean ‘Right [hand] of the Master’. The sculpture was given to Joseph Lister when he left Edinburgh in 1877.

12/10/2026

Explore Surgeons' Hall after dark!

Step inside Edinburgh’s fascinating world of surgery, medicine and medical history for a unique adults-only evening filled with live music, expert demonstrations, mini talks and hands-on activities.

From remarkable discoveries to the darker side of medical history, there’s something unexpected around every corner.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-surgeons-hall-tickets-1999778368934?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/10/2026

We are looking for an Events and Marketing Assistant and a Visitor Services Assistant to join the team.

You can find out more about the roles and how to apply here: https://jobs.rcsed.ac.uk/?_gl=1*1wnmzi8*_ga*Mzc2MDA0NTcwLjE3NjM5ODAwNzE.*_ga_DC5WCS94T6*czE3OTEyODIyOTYkbzIzJGcxJHQxNzkxMjgyMzE1JGo1MiRsMCRoMA..

08/10/2026

Throughout October, 100% of the profits from every Breast Cancer Awareness Month Keyring sold will be donated to Breast Cancer Now to support breast cancer research.

They are available in person and online: https://shop.museum.rcsed.ac.uk/products/breast-cancer-awareness-month-keyring

Visit Surgeons’ Hall Museums in Edinburgh to explore historic surgery, pathology and dental collections in one of Scotland’s oldest museums.

07/10/2026

It's time for another
This week we are looking for name you would find in our Pathology gallery..
Can you solve the anagram?

05/10/2026

Silver medal awarded by James Young Simpson to George Hogarth Pringle, a student at the University of Edinburgh in the Class of Midwifery, session 1850–51. It was given “for very high merit as a pupil”.

02/10/2026

October is breast cancer awareness month. Around 55,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.

Last night, we held a Breast Cancer Awareness event. We had speakers talking about the past, present and future of breast cancer treatment. As well as some stalls from some great charities.

We would like to thank everyone for coming along and making last night a really special event! A special thank you to Beatrix Elsberger for leading on the night.

Breast awareness is important! This is your friendly reminder to check your breasts or chest and get familiar with what is normal for you. Charities such as Breast Cancer Now have accessible guides on how to self examine. https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/awareness/signs-and-symptoms-of-breast-cancer

02/10/2026

These fleams were made by John Savigny of London. Veterinarians also had fleams, so during this period it’s likely they were used for both humans and animals. Fleams were used in bloodletting; the blade cut into superficial veins to remove blood from the body.

30/09/2026

We are looking for an Events and Marketing Assistant to join the team.

You can find out more about the role and how to apply here: https://jobs.rcsed.ac.uk/jobs/50514485-efae-4da0-b2df-f3bc0b8d556b/apply

Applications close on Monday the 12th of October.