Beyond The Knife cover art

Beyond The Knife

Beyond The Knife

By: Surgeons Hall Museum
Listen for free

Beyond the Knife is a Medical History podcast brought to you by Surgeons Hall Museum, Library and Archive. Each episode we are joined by speakers who bring you stories from the history of Medicine and Surgery.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surgeons Hall Museum
Hygiene & Healthy Living Nature & Ecology Physical Illness & Disease Science World
Episodes
  • A History of Gonorrhoea
    May 29 2026

    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 of history’s most infamous diseases.


    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.


    Edited by John Kielty


    Music Credit: Zap Splat


    For more information about Surgeons Hall Museums and The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Library and Archives please see our websites

    Home - Surgeons' Hall Museums, Edinburgh

    Home | Library & Archive The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • Incorporating The Barber Surgeons of Edinburgh
    Apr 24 2026

    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 profession that would shape the future of surgery.


    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.


    Edited by John Kielty


    Music Credit: Zap Splat


    For more information about Surgeons Hall Museums and The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Library and Archives please see our websites

    Home - Surgeons' Hall Museums, Edinburgh

    Home | Library & Archive The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • General Paralysis of the Insane
    Mar 27 2026

    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 attitudes that shaped how the disease was understood and treated.


    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.


    Edited by John Kielty


    Music Credit: Zap Splat

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
All stars
Most relevant
All completely fascinating - thank you. After visiting surgeons hall museum in Edinburgh I found this series of podcasts really enriched that whole experience

Amazing

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.