A Healing Passion: Medicine in Glasgow Past and Present

The Hunterian was founded in 1807 on the collections of the eminent Scottish physician and obstetrician, William Hunter (1718-1783) whose medical collections were the core of his career, museum and success. ‘A Healing Passion’ is a permanent display dedicated to medicine in Glasgow and draws on these unique collections to reflect the illustrious heritage of the region. 

Glasgow and the West of Scotland have played a very important part in the history of medicine, producing many key figures and significant achievements. Glasgow continues to play an important role in the field of ground-breaking medical research.

Covering historical and contemporary aspects of medicine in Glasgow, ‘A Healing Passion’ explores major and lesser known figures in medicine, showcasing their achievements and their impact on our lives.

The display is divided into seven subject areas: anatomy, pathology, surgery, obstetrics, forensic medicine and science, public health, and tomorrow's medicine. Of particular interest are some of William Hunter’s original 18th century anatomical and pathological specimens, Joseph Lister’s carbolic spray, some of the first X-Ray films made by John MacIntyre, and one of the first ultrasound scanners ever developed. 

Advances in medicine affect us all at some point in our lives. A Healing Passion celebrates these developments and explains how they are relevant to our lives today.

The exhibition is located on the balcony level of the Hunterian Museum main hall, as a companion to the ‘Lord Kelvin: Revolutionary Scientist’ display.

‘A Healing Passion: Medicine in Glasgow Past and Present’ has been supported by the ReDiscover Fund (Wellcome Trust and Wolfson Foundation), a Wellcome Trust People Award, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the University of Glasgow Chancellor’s Fund.