Beyond The Knife

Welcome to Beyond the Knife -where history and medicine collide. In this episode, we’re joined by Malcolm MacCallum, Curator of the Anatomical Museum at the University of Edinburgh, and Thomas Elliott, Head of Surgeons Hall Museum, as they explore the origins of the world's oldest medical school in the English-speaking world. Inspired by our latest exhibition, this episode uncovers the innovations...

Welcome to Beyond the Knife -where history and medicine collide. In this episode, we’re joined by anatomist and human remains conservator Cat Irving as she explores the long and often bizarre history of gonorrhoea, from early diagnoses and eye-watering treatments to the strange phenomenon of “smurf syndrome.” Discover the medical misconceptions, curious cures, and social attitudes surrounding one...

Welcome to Beyond the Knife - where history and medicine collide. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Aaron Allen as he explores the early incorporation of Incorporation of Barber Surgeons in Edinburgh. From royal charters to the rise of organised craft, discover how barber surgeons carved out their place in the city’s powerful guild system. It’s a story of skill, status, and the foundations of a...

Welcome to Beyond the Knife– where history and medicine collide. In this episode, we’re joined by author and Neuropsychologist Andy Ellis. Andy explores General Paralysis of the Insane, a devastating neurological condition that once baffled the medical world. Through the case of Sir Randolph Churchill, he examines not only its impact on the brain and behavior, but also the social conditions and at...

Welcome to Beyond the Knife– where history and medicine collide. In this episode, we’re joined by Surgeons Hall Museum Curator Louise Wilkie. Louise explores the history of the Edinburgh Seven, examining how both supporters and opponents shaped the campaign that sought to secure women’s access to medical education at the University of Edinburgh. She discusses how this struggle not only challenged...

Welcome to Beyond the Knife– where history and medicine collide. In this episode, we’re joined by Anatomist and Human Remains Conservator Cat Irving. Cat explores the history of syphilis in Europe, examining the disease itself and the cultural reactions it provoked. From misguided cures to social shaming, this podcast reveals how fear and morality shaped the response to one of history’s most notor...

Welcome to Beyond the Knife– where history and medicine collide. In this episode, we’re joined by Anatomist and Human Remains Conservator Cat Irving. Cat examines the notorious Burke and Hare case and the West Port murders, where poverty and the opportunity to profit from Edinburgh’s cadaver shortage led to a gruesome trade in bodies. Using this grim chapter of history, Cat explores how the scanda...

Welcome to Beyond the Knife– where history and medicine collide. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Robert Mann, a forensic anthropologist at the University of Hawai‘i’s John A. Burns School of Medicine. Dr. Mann specialises in the analysis of human skeletal remains, using anatomical and biological evidence to reconstruct aspects of an individual’s identity, life history, and, in some cases, the...

Welcome to Beyond the Knife– where history and medicine collide. In this episode, we’re joined by Louise Wilkie, Curator at Surgeons’ Hall Museum, for a fascinating journey into the world of Scotland’s early medical detectives. Hear how Scotland’s first forensic pioneers changed the face of crime investigation, bringing medical science into the courtroom and shaping the role of the expert witness...

Welcome to Beyond the Knife– where history and medicine collide.   In this episode we’re joined by Robin Fixter, Library and Archive assistant the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, to uncover the gripping true story of Robert Auchmutie, a 17th-century Barber Surgeon who was caught in a deadly scandal.   Robin takes us through his research uncovering a compelling story where dueling...

Welcome to Beyond the Knife– where history and medicine collide In this episode, we’re joined by surgeon, medical myth-buster, and longevity educator Dr. Terry Simpson, who guides us through the bizarre and often shocking world of America’s early medical charlatans. From miracle cures and snake oil salesmen to the outrageous tale of goat gland transplants, we uncover the curious—and at times unbel...

Welcome to Beyond the Knife– where history and medicine collide. In this episode, we're joined by Thomas Elliott, Head of Surgeons' Hall Museums, as he takes us deep into the world of Edinburgh’s Barber Surgeons. From bloodletting to traphenation, uncover the early—and often astonishing—practices that laid the groundwork for modern surgery. You won’t look at your local barber the same way again......

In this episode RCSEd Librarian Steven Kerr discusses the extraordinary story behind one of histories most enduring medical texts -Gray's Anatomy. This episode is hosted by Chanté St Clair Inglis Director of Heritage and Estates at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Produced by Jordanna Kielty-O'Neill and Keshena Goldie for Surgeons Hall Museums, Library and Archives. Music Credit: Z...

In this episode Professor Sue Black discusses her extraordinary career as Professor of Anatomy and leading forensic Anthropologist. This episode is hosted by Chanté St Clair Inglis Director of Heritage and Estates at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Produced by Jordanna Kielty-O'Neill and Keshena Goldie for Surgeons Hall Museums, Library and Archives. Music Credit: Zap Splat- An Au...

In this episode Surgeon and former Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Iain Macintyre discusses pioneering Surgeon and women's rights activist Elsie Inglis. This episode is hosted by Chanté St Clair Inglis Director of Heritage and Estates at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Produced by Jordanna Kielty-O'Neill and Keshena Goldie for Surgeons Hall Museums, Li...

In this episode Surgeons Hall Museums Collections Coordinator Danielle Dray discusses a brief history of medical illustration, its changing purpose, and the women who led the way in professionalising medical art. Dray also discusses the founding of the Medical Artists Association of Great Britain. This episode is hosted by Chanté St Clair Inglis Director of Heritage and Estates at the Royal C...

In celebration of International Women's Day we are joined Midwife, award winning Author and women's health activist Leah Hazard. Leah shares her insights and experiences both as a practitioner and as a patient in the field of women's reproductive health. We will also discuss Leah's book The Inside Story of Where We All Began: Womb and her upcoming book Birth Wars . This episode is hosted by Chanté...

Join Anesthetist and Author Marisa Haetzman as she discusses how she found inspiration in the renowned Victorian Obstetrician Sir James Young Simpson. Hear about how the exceptional life of Sir Simpson, from his professional successes to his infamous dinner parties, inspired the historic fiction of award winning writing duo Ambrose Parry. This episode is hosted by Chanté St Clair Inglis Direc...

Join Anatomist and Human Remains Conservator Cat Irving as we learn about the history of anatomical studies and the importance of dissection in teaching and discovery. Hear about the darker past of sourcing cadaver, how the process of dissection has improved dramatically through time and how things have changed for present day anatomists. This episode is hosted by Chanté St Clair Inglis Direc...