An illustrated talk with readings from the Consultation Letters of Dr William Cullen.

Scottish physician William Cullen was the most influential medical lecturer of his generation. His private consultation letters, held at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, make up one of the most important eighteenth-century medical archives. They are soon to be made publicly available in a dedicated interactive web edition.

This talk – focusing upon his patients from in and around Glasgow – includes readings from the actual consultations which give intimate insights into the private lives of Glasgow’s newly wealthy merchants. Hear how Cullen made use of a newly invented copying-machine to send out speedy postal advice on bleedings, blisterings, purges, vomits, issues and leeches to treat a host of diseases ranging from gout and indigestion to “the itch” and “the pox”.

Prior to the talk there will be a chance to take part in a special Cullen-themed guided tour around Kelvingrove Museum’s How Glasgow Flourished, 1714-1837 exhibition.

TOURS: The tour will run twice, at 2.00pm and 2.30pm. Please assemble at the entrance to the How Glasgow Flourished exhibition.

TALK STARTS: 3.15 pm (approx 45 mins, followed by an optional Q&A).

TALK VENUE: Conference Room, Lower Ground Floor, Kelvingrove Museum.

Please note that while the tour and talk are free, places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, e-mail: mark.herraghty@glasgow.ac.uk

First published: 21 October 2014

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