Essays and Dissertations of the Scottish Royal Medical Society, 1751-1970

This collection contains over two hundred historical dissertations and essays submitted to the Royal Medical Society between the period 1751-1970. The Royal Medical Society was founded by students of the University of Edinburgh in 1737 and granted a Royal Charter in 1778. The Royal Medical Society boasts some of the most important medical alumni in the world and is widely regarded for its contribution to the medical field.

Subjects covered in these essays and dissertations range from the study of psychology and mental health to the treatment of rare bacterial diseases. Thus, the files offer a unique insight into how medical knowledge has changed and evolved over the years.

By antiseptics are meant substances that retard or prevent the progress of putrefaction, or correct it when it has taken place. The process of putrefaction is one of the most important operations in the clionomy of nature

Gilbert Blane, 'Question, what is the nature of Antiseptics, and how do they operate?'. c.1775, Dissertations, etc., 1751-1799; Vol. 4; img 220

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Insights

See how Hippocrates influenced 18th century medical science, through a collection of essays on the aphorisms of Hippocrates.

The essays themselves start in 1751 and finish in 1801; the descriptions for each volume list its contents. The indices cover some essays written during the 20th century.

Subjects covered by these essays include: pregnancy, treating poisoning, the effects of opium, if mineral waters work, how nutrients are absorbed, the use and abuse of sugar, consumption, and the nature of diabetes.