Beyond The Knife

Surgeons Hall Museum

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.

  1. JAN 30

    Syphilis-Once night with Venus and a Lifetime with Mercury

    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 notorious illnesses. 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 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.

    27 min

  2. 12/23/2025

    The Anatomy Murders

    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 scandal reshaped the teaching of anatomy and led to lasting changes in medical ethics and legislation. 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 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.

    27 min

  3. 11/28/2025

    Forensic Investigators: Truth In Bone

    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 circumstances surrounding their death. He discusses a compelling case that originated at a homeless encampment in Hawai‘i-an example that illustrates the depth of information preserved within the human skeleton. 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 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.

    37 min

  4. 10/31/2025

    Scotland's Early Medical Detectives

    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 as we know it today. Louise shares insights from her research into the remarkable origins of medical jurisprudence in Scotland, revealing how physicians and Surgeons helped shape both medicine and justice in ways that still resonate today. 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 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.

    38 min

  5. 09/26/2025

    A Surgeons Duel

    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, power, and politics come together at a moment when the justice system is about to change. 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 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.

    41 min

  6. 08/29/2025

    Science and Snake Oil

    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 unbelievable—deliberate deception disguised as medical treatment. Get ready to explore the fine line between innovation and deception, and discover just how far some so-called doctors were willing to go in the name of health and profit. Spoiler alert: goat testicles are not the answer... 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 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 For more from Dr Terry Simpson Terry Simpson - From A Doctor's Point Of View Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min

  7. 07/25/2025

    The Barber Surgeons of Edinburgh

    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... 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- In His Own Way 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.

    34 min

  8. 06/27/2025

    Gray's Anatomy

    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: Zap Splat- Oceans at Rest 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.

    34 min
See All (14)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Surgeons Hall Museum
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Surgeons Hall Museum
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Knife

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