Archive collection

In addition to the RSM’s own records, the archive possesses a rich collection of rare medical books and manuscripts dating back to the 15th century.  

These include gifts from RSM Fellows, notably Edward Jenner, Charles Darwin and Louis Pasteur, who not only gave their own work but donated treasured classics.

Highlights of the RSM's archive collection include:

• The  Exercitatio anatomica de motu cordis et sanguinis in animalibus  by William Harvey published in 1628 
• Letters by historical figures such as Charles Darwin, Edward Jenner, Sigmund Freud and Jean-Martin Charcot 
• Minute books and documentation illustrating the rise of medical societies in the 19th century; they went on to form the RSM
• The Diamond Collection, a unique collection of 22 photographs of psychiatric patients by early British psychiatrist and photographer Hugh Welch Diamond 
• Illustrations, prints, photographs, engravings and drawings of medical figures

Records from each of the RSM’s Sections and Forums dating back to their formation are available in the archives. These cover council and meeting minutes, attendance books, programmes, membership lists, correspondence and abstracts.

Records also include minutes and papers from wartime committees from both World Wars, and various health committees that date back to 1873.

Learn more about the history of the RSM, and how it amalgamated with 15 medical societies to become the Royal Society of Medicine.

The RSM archive is a unique research resource and the collection is open to members and external researchers.   

We also welcome donations of archive material from amalgamating societies or individuals who have made a significant contribution to the work of the RSM.  

For research enquiries or to make an appointment to view archive material, please contact the Library on 020 7290 2940/2941 or email library@rsm.ac.uk.

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