Surgeons' Hall Museums
About Surgeons' Hall Museums
Surgeons' Hall Museums is home to one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the World, open to the public since 1832.
Surgeons' Hall Museums Description
Surgeons' Hall Museums was developed as a teaching museum for students of medicine, its fascinating collections, including bone and tissue specimens, artefacts and works of art, have also been open to the public since 1832, making it Scotland’s oldest museum.
Please note photography is prohibited in the museum in accordance with the Human Tissue (2006) Scotland Act.
Reviews
#ICYMI We will be launching our latest events programme in a couple of weeks. To make sure you don't miss out sign up to our mailing list. https://buff.ly/2No4JcV
More great work done by our Human Remains Conservator! This specimen shows hyperkeratosis of the sole of the foot. Hyperkeratosis is the excessive production of the protein keratin – the protein that makes our hair and nails, and also the outer layer of our skin. Overproduction of keratin has led to these growths occurring on the bottom of the foot. The fluid the specimen was in had become fatty, leading to the fluid turning dark and the globules of fat that can be seen in the base of the jar. The foot had also been mounted on a plastic rod which had become deformed by contact with the alcohol that had been used as the preservative fluid. The specimen has been removed from the jar, cleaned and mounted on a glass rod, before being placed in fresh alcohol.
Our latest Pathology Spotlight blog is up! This month our Human Remains Conservator takes a look at Mycetoma. https://buff.ly/2urZFLB
This pocket case of surgical instruments was used by Joseph Lister. Lord Lister gave the case to a local joiner and asked him to get rid of it when he left for the University of London in 1877. The case was then passed on to Mr. Stevens, an engineer at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary before it was donated to the college in 1924.
We're putting the final touches to our autumn events programme. All those on our mailing list get to hear about events first and get early access to tickets. You can sign up to our mailing list here: https://buff.ly/2No4JcV. We promise we won't spam you! if you've already joined our mailing list then there is no need to sign up again.
Due to popular demand we are running an extra 'Blood and Guts' walking tour at 12.30pm today. Tickets are only available from our ticket desk and will be sold on a first come first serve basis.
#ICYMI we are giving all NHS staff free entry to the museum today as part of the #NHS70 celebrations.
There are still some tickets left for our kids summer workshops. To check availability head to: https://buff.ly/2G5Drmq
These tools came from one of the wards in the Old Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh but what are they? #triviatuesday
The correct answer is cortical retractors!
These self retaining retractors don't need to be held once they are on position. They lock in place by a screw mechanism. They were designed by Norman Dott, a well known neurosurgeon.
To celebrate NHS70 we are giving NHS staff free entry on Thursday the 5th of July! Just show your valid NHS staff ID at our ticket desk.
We have some great new stock in our shop including these items inspired by the painting 'Extracting a Tooth' which you can see in our History of Dentistry museum.
If you're looking for something a bit different to do with your Friday night we have a few tickets left for our 'Blood and Guts' tour. https://buff.ly/2lyWn5y
This right upper tibia shows a gunshot wound and musket ball lodged in the head. The injury was sustained by a soldier during the Battle of Corunna. Amputation was required as a result of septic arthritis of the knee and a bacterial infection of the calf. Charles Bell described this amputation in his book 'A System of Operative Surgery' in 1814.
Thinking of joining us on one of our 'Blood and Guts' tours? We still have tickets left! You can get yours from: https://buff.ly/2lyWn5y
#TriviaTuesday! This item in our collection comes from the 1940's. Does anyone know what it;s called and what it's used for?
This is a Mitchell clip holder. This particular one comes from 1942. Mitchell clips were used to hold the edges of a wound together like temporary structures. Surgeons would hold the instrument through the thumb hole and slide the Mitchell clips off the holder. They can then apply them to the skin edges.
If you're looking to do something different with the kids during the summer holidays why not check out our Germs Are Not For Sharing workshop? Kids will learn all about germs and then they will get to make their own piece of artwork inspired by bacteria and microbe art. https://buff.ly/2ykNBB1
Do you want to hear about the only operation in history with a reported 300% mortality rate? We'll tell you that and more on our 'Blood and Guts' walking tour. There's still a few tickets left for tonight: https://buff.ly/2JSNDSg
This stomach shows a perforated ulcer, when the ulcer causes the stomach lining to split. This is a very serious condition as it allows food and digestive bacteria to enter the abdominal cavity. This specimen comes from a 40 year old man who had to have part of his stomach removed as a result. He went on to make a full recovery.
We still have some tickets available for our 'Blood and Guts' tours this weekend. Our guides will take you to some of the sites linked with Edinburgh's medical past and tell you stories drawn from the archives at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. You'll soon be glad you live in the 21st century! Tickets are available from: https://buff.ly/2JSNDSg
It's #triviatuesday time once again. This week we have this object that was used as late as the 1950's. Does anyone know what it is?
This weeks answer is a Schimmelbusch Mask! Invented by Curt Schimmelbusch to aid the delivery of liquid anesthetic such as Chloroform. The wire frame was filled with several layers of gauze and placed over the patients mouth and the anesthetic was dripped on.
Visited today and spent a good 2 hours looking around - it was fascinating! So much to see, maybe not for the faint hearted but really interesting whether in the medical profession or not. Definitely worth visiting!
Visited on Sunday absolutely fantastic loved it.So many body parts very interesting place
Very interesting to look at, if you are into the workings of the human body
Truly fascinating, vey interesting and informative. It's great to see how the medical sector has developed over the years, and thankfully too. Had always wanted to see the Burke and Hare exhibit since I was a child and was great to final see it. Such a large amount of specimens too, so fascinating when they date back too and how preserved they really ar. Would definitely return
This was a random discovery for us, and it made our day. I've never been to a museum like it. Although I definitely had a few light headed moments (disembodied genitals...heads cut in half...), I would highly recommend visiting - it's unique, and fascinating.
The Blood & Guts tour was a fantastic afternoon walking around some of Edinburgh's fascinating yet dark and macabre historical landmarks, brought to life by a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide! We did the tour as a couple, but would highly recommend to all ages.
Stumbled across this museum by accident but so glad I did! Thoroughly interesting, amazing historical exhibits and information. Not for the faint hearted. Great insight into the history of medical science and discoveries.
Splendid collection of specimens, equipment, information, and even artillery artifacts. Nothing like an afternoon looking at body parts in jars (was even in the mood for some lunch afterwards).
Informative- too many exhibits to mention, literally every body part on display in jars. Friendly and helpful staff. Enjoyable visit.
I was there yesterday showing at a craft event. I wanted to say a big 'Thank you ' to a staff member. A lovely young lady called Laura who went out of her way to be helpful and assisted me greatly , as I was struggling alone to transport my stock and props from one end of the building to the other. A guy was also helpful but I did not catch his name.
Thanks again.
I was lucky enough to visit on my trip to Scotland. I hope to go back someday.
I and my husband visited Surgeon's Hall today.
A thoroughly fascinating display of medical/surgical artefact and I won't lie.... my stomach struggled to withstand some of the 'pickled body parts', etc but super informative/compelling all the same!
As another reviewer stated 'having a strong stomach helps'!
The staff were lovely, both ladies on reception were really helpful and welcoming, the gift shop prices were surprisingly cheap so I bought a couple of little keepsakes.
The entry fee was very reasonable too.
The only downside was not being able to take photos, but this was understandable after staff explained why.
I can't rate this place highly enough, i will definitely be back as there was so much to look at and read... I know i didn't cover all bases. Fab place :-)
First visit and I was certainly impressed. It is a privilege that we are able to view these exhibits. Disappointed to see several ignorant and disrespectful people taking photos, despite clearly being told not to.
Fascinating stuff. And i am squeamish. I'm going to go again next time i am visiting this beautiful city. �
Absolutely brilliant! I'm a medical student and seeing different exhibits in pathology was a great opportunity. Besides the history of surgery part was really interesting and well constructed.
Would recommend to anyone working in the health sector and to anyone else who wants to learn more about surgery and anatomy
A brilliantly fascinating and well informed tour 'In Search of Burke and Hare'. Great value for money and thoroughly enjoyable. Can't wait for my next visit!
across this museum when visiting a Fringe venue next door. Prices are quite steep but if you had a fascination for this kind of stuff it e worth it. Unfortunately e y keen at the start children were not keen after 5 minutes. Not suitable for children despite being told there were exhibits old keep them interested. Otherwise there is a huge and very broad range of specimens very well displayed.
Very interesting place to go; so very full of history!
My Wife thoroughly enjoyed it but I found out that I do not have a strong constitution when looking at hundreds of dead body parts .... ha ha. Great place to visit and very interesting. Amazing how the medical profession has advanced in such a short period of time when you see the exhibits.
Visited today and spent a good 2 hours looking around - it was fascinating! So much to see, maybe not for the faint hearted but really interesting whether in the medical profession or not. Definitely worth visiting!
Visited on Sunday absolutely fantastic loved it.So many body parts very interesting place
Very interesting to look at, if you are into the workings of the human body
Truly fascinating, vey interesting and informative. It's great to see how the medical sector has developed over the years, and thankfully too. Had always wanted to see the Burke and Hare exhibit since I was a child and was great to final see it. Such a large amount of specimens too, so fascinating when they date back too and how preserved they really ar. Would definitely return
This was a random discovery for us, and it made our day. I've never been to a museum like it. Although I definitely had a few light headed moments (disembodied genitals...heads cut in half...), I would highly recommend visiting - it's unique, and fascinating.
The Blood & Guts tour was a fantastic afternoon walking around some of Edinburgh's fascinating yet dark and macabre historical landmarks, brought to life by a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide! We did the tour as a couple, but would highly recommend to all ages.
Stumbled across this museum by accident but so glad I did! Thoroughly interesting, amazing historical exhibits and information. Not for the faint hearted. Great insight into the history of medical science and discoveries.
Splendid collection of specimens, equipment, information, and even artillery artifacts. Nothing like an afternoon looking at body parts in jars (was even in the mood for some lunch afterwards).
Informative- too many exhibits to mention, literally every body part on display in jars. Friendly and helpful staff. Enjoyable visit.
I was there yesterday showing at a craft event. I wanted to say a big 'Thank you ' to a staff member. A lovely young lady called Laura who went out of her way to be helpful and assisted me greatly , as I was struggling alone to transport my stock and props from one end of the building to the other. A guy was also helpful but I did not catch his name.
Thanks again.
I was lucky enough to visit on my trip to Scotland. I hope to go back someday.
I and my husband visited Surgeon's Hall today.
A thoroughly fascinating display of medical/surgical artefact and I won't lie.... my stomach struggled to withstand some of the 'pickled body parts', etc but super informative/compelling all the same!
As another reviewer stated 'having a strong stomach helps'!
The staff were lovely, both ladies on reception were really helpful and welcoming, the gift shop prices were surprisingly cheap so I bought a couple of little keepsakes.
The entry fee was very reasonable too.
The only downside was not being able to take photos, but this was understandable after staff explained why.
I can't rate this place highly enough, i will definitely be back as there was so much to look at and read... I know i didn't cover all bases. Fab place :-)
First visit and I was certainly impressed. It is a privilege that we are able to view these exhibits. Disappointed to see several ignorant and disrespectful people taking photos, despite clearly being told not to.
Fascinating stuff. And i am squeamish. I'm going to go again next time i am visiting this beautiful city. �
Absolutely brilliant! I'm a medical student and seeing different exhibits in pathology was a great opportunity. Besides the history of surgery part was really interesting and well constructed.
Would recommend to anyone working in the health sector and to anyone else who wants to learn more about surgery and anatomy
A brilliantly fascinating and well informed tour 'In Search of Burke and Hare'. Great value for money and thoroughly enjoyable. Can't wait for my next visit!
across this museum when visiting a Fringe venue next door. Prices are quite steep but if you had a fascination for this kind of stuff it e worth it. Unfortunately e y keen at the start children were not keen after 5 minutes. Not suitable for children despite being told there were exhibits old keep them interested. Otherwise there is a huge and very broad range of specimens very well displayed.
Very interesting place to go; so very full of history!
My Wife thoroughly enjoyed it but I found out that I do not have a strong constitution when looking at hundreds of dead body parts .... ha ha. Great place to visit and very interesting. Amazing how the medical profession has advanced in such a short period of time when you see the exhibits.
Visited today and spent a good 2 hours looking around - it was fascinating! So much to see, maybe not for the faint hearted but really interesting whether in the medical profession or not. Definitely worth visiting!
Visited on Sunday absolutely fantastic loved it.So many body parts very interesting place
Very interesting to look at, if you are into the workings of the human body
Truly fascinating, vey interesting and informative. It's great to see how the medical sector has developed over the years, and thankfully too. Had always wanted to see the Burke and Hare exhibit since I was a child and was great to final see it. Such a large amount of specimens too, so fascinating when they date back too and how preserved they really ar. Would definitely return
This was a random discovery for us, and it made our day. I've never been to a museum like it. Although I definitely had a few light headed moments (disembodied genitals...heads cut in half...), I would highly recommend visiting - it's unique, and fascinating.
The Blood & Guts tour was a fantastic afternoon walking around some of Edinburgh's fascinating yet dark and macabre historical landmarks, brought to life by a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide! We did the tour as a couple, but would highly recommend to all ages.
Stumbled across this museum by accident but so glad I did! Thoroughly interesting, amazing historical exhibits and information. Not for the faint hearted. Great insight into the history of medical science and discoveries.
Splendid collection of specimens, equipment, information, and even artillery artifacts. Nothing like an afternoon looking at body parts in jars (was even in the mood for some lunch afterwards).
Informative- too many exhibits to mention, literally every body part on display in jars. Friendly and helpful staff. Enjoyable visit.
I was there yesterday showing at a craft event. I wanted to say a big 'Thank you ' to a staff member. A lovely young lady called Laura who went out of her way to be helpful and assisted me greatly , as I was struggling alone to transport my stock and props from one end of the building to the other. A guy was also helpful but I did not catch his name.
Thanks again.
I was lucky enough to visit on my trip to Scotland. I hope to go back someday.
I and my husband visited Surgeon's Hall today.
A thoroughly fascinating display of medical/surgical artefact and I won't lie.... my stomach struggled to withstand some of the 'pickled body parts', etc but super informative/compelling all the same!
As another reviewer stated 'having a strong stomach helps'!
The staff were lovely, both ladies on reception were really helpful and welcoming, the gift shop prices were surprisingly cheap so I bought a couple of little keepsakes.
The entry fee was very reasonable too.
The only downside was not being able to take photos, but this was understandable after staff explained why.
I can't rate this place highly enough, i will definitely be back as there was so much to look at and read... I know i didn't cover all bases. Fab place :-)
First visit and I was certainly impressed. It is a privilege that we are able to view these exhibits. Disappointed to see several ignorant and disrespectful people taking photos, despite clearly being told not to.
Fascinating stuff. And i am squeamish. I'm going to go again next time i am visiting this beautiful city. �
Absolutely brilliant! I'm a medical student and seeing different exhibits in pathology was a great opportunity. Besides the history of surgery part was really interesting and well constructed.
Would recommend to anyone working in the health sector and to anyone else who wants to learn more about surgery and anatomy
A brilliantly fascinating and well informed tour 'In Search of Burke and Hare'. Great value for money and thoroughly enjoyable. Can't wait for my next visit!
across this museum when visiting a Fringe venue next door. Prices are quite steep but if you had a fascination for this kind of stuff it e worth it. Unfortunately e y keen at the start children were not keen after 5 minutes. Not suitable for children despite being told there were exhibits old keep them interested. Otherwise there is a huge and very broad range of specimens very well displayed.
Very interesting place to go; so very full of history!
My Wife thoroughly enjoyed it but I found out that I do not have a strong constitution when looking at hundreds of dead body parts .... ha ha. Great place to visit and very interesting. Amazing how the medical profession has advanced in such a short period of time when you see the exhibits.
Visited today and spent a good 2 hours looking around - it was fascinating! So much to see, maybe not for the faint hearted but really interesting whether in the medical profession or not. Definitely worth visiting!
Visited on Sunday absolutely fantastic loved it.So many body parts very interesting place
Very interesting to look at, if you are into the workings of the human body
Truly fascinating, vey interesting and informative. It's great to see how the medical sector has developed over the years, and thankfully too. Had always wanted to see the Burke and Hare exhibit since I was a child and was great to final see it. Such a large amount of specimens too, so fascinating when they date back too and how preserved they really ar. Would definitely return
This was a random discovery for us, and it made our day. I've never been to a museum like it. Although I definitely had a few light headed moments (disembodied genitals...heads cut in half...), I would highly recommend visiting - it's unique, and fascinating.
The Blood & Guts tour was a fantastic afternoon walking around some of Edinburgh's fascinating yet dark and macabre historical landmarks, brought to life by a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide! We did the tour as a couple, but would highly recommend to all ages.
Stumbled across this museum by accident but so glad I did! Thoroughly interesting, amazing historical exhibits and information. Not for the faint hearted. Great insight into the history of medical science and discoveries.
Splendid collection of specimens, equipment, information, and even artillery artifacts. Nothing like an afternoon looking at body parts in jars (was even in the mood for some lunch afterwards).
Informative- too many exhibits to mention, literally every body part on display in jars. Friendly and helpful staff. Enjoyable visit.
I was there yesterday showing at a craft event. I wanted to say a big 'Thank you ' to a staff member. A lovely young lady called Laura who went out of her way to be helpful and assisted me greatly , as I was struggling alone to transport my stock and props from one end of the building to the other. A guy was also helpful but I did not catch his name.
Thanks again.
I was lucky enough to visit on my trip to Scotland. I hope to go back someday.
I and my husband visited Surgeon's Hall today.
A thoroughly fascinating display of medical/surgical artefact and I won't lie.... my stomach struggled to withstand some of the 'pickled body parts', etc but super informative/compelling all the same!
As another reviewer stated 'having a strong stomach helps'!
The staff were lovely, both ladies on reception were really helpful and welcoming, the gift shop prices were surprisingly cheap so I bought a couple of little keepsakes.
The entry fee was very reasonable too.
The only downside was not being able to take photos, but this was understandable after staff explained why.
I can't rate this place highly enough, i will definitely be back as there was so much to look at and read... I know i didn't cover all bases. Fab place :-)
First visit and I was certainly impressed. It is a privilege that we are able to view these exhibits. Disappointed to see several ignorant and disrespectful people taking photos, despite clearly being told not to.
Fascinating stuff. And i am squeamish. I'm going to go again next time i am visiting this beautiful city. �
Absolutely brilliant! I'm a medical student and seeing different exhibits in pathology was a great opportunity. Besides the history of surgery part was really interesting and well constructed.
Would recommend to anyone working in the health sector and to anyone else who wants to learn more about surgery and anatomy
A brilliantly fascinating and well informed tour 'In Search of Burke and Hare'. Great value for money and thoroughly enjoyable. Can't wait for my next visit!
across this museum when visiting a Fringe venue next door. Prices are quite steep but if you had a fascination for this kind of stuff it e worth it. Unfortunately e y keen at the start children were not keen after 5 minutes. Not suitable for children despite being told there were exhibits old keep them interested. Otherwise there is a huge and very broad range of specimens very well displayed.
Very interesting place to go; so very full of history!
My Wife thoroughly enjoyed it but I found out that I do not have a strong constitution when looking at hundreds of dead body parts .... ha ha. Great place to visit and very interesting. Amazing how the medical profession has advanced in such a short period of time when you see the exhibits.