| Description | The Harveian Society, or Circulation Club as it was known until 1829, was founded 12th April 1782. The idea came from Andrew Duncan senior who had also been behind the setting up of the Aesculapian Club and the Edinburgh Medico-Chirurgical Society. Duncan envisioned a larger club than the restricted Aesculapian to take over the running of the prize essay competition which had started in 1777 and to run an annual festival to commemorate renowned medical figures. Duncan was secretary of the Society for 46 years until his death in 1828. Early features of the dinners were entertainment through songs and poems. The prize essay competition continued irregularly until 1865 when it was discontinued. The Society is extant.
[Source: 'Scottish Medical Societies' by Jacqueline Jenkinson]
Contents: Minutes and notices of meetings, 1782-1991; laws of the Harviean Society, 1840-1913; papers relating to the annual Harveian Festival including orations, 1845-2004; correspondence, c1849-1981; financial records, 1841-1986; publications collected by the Society, 1816-2002; artefacts |