A fascinating glimpse into 17th century medicine
The Real Mary King’s Close is launching its brand new medical history tour, taking guests on a journey through the fascinating development of medicine through time.
Located beneath the iconic Royal Mile, The Real Mary King’s Close tour will explore the nature and development of Edinburgh’s last plague outbreak, as well as the stories of Scots who revolutionised medicine to make it what it is today. All whilst exploring Edinburgh’s iconic underground street.
Edinburgh has famously been a focal point for medical innovation and experimentation. The city’s medical school is the oldest in the Englishspeaking world and was at the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment. While many amazing discoveries and advancements came from Edinburgh, like everywhere, some ideas were slightly strange…
Guests will learn about everything from the unusual methods of diagnoses employed by local apothecaries – such as former resident of Mary King’s Close, Dr Arnott – to the city’s worst plague outbreak. Due to overcrowding within the city walls, the plague permeated the area in 1645. Those suffering from the plague would hang a white sheet from their window to warn their neighbours to keep away, quarantining themselves while awaiting a visit from the Plague Doctor.
Visitors will also learn about key moments in history that defined 19th century medicine, such as the formation of the Edinburgh Seven – an allfemale group of aspiring doctors spearheaded by Sophia Jex-Blake, who fought for women’s education and the right to practice medicine. The story of Dr James Barry is also highlighted on the tour, a renowned military surgeon who performed the first successful caesarean section in the British Empire.
Tours are available on Saturday 6th April and Saturday 13th April. Tickets are £27 per adult
/ £22 per child. For more information and bookings please visit: https://www. realmarykingsclose.com/ event/medical-history-tour.
The new Medical History Tours form part of Edinburgh Science Festival.