Medical Edinburgh and Empire

A lecture exploring Edinburgh's medical communities and colonial legacies.Scotland was disproportionately involved in the expansion, enforcement and administration of the British Empire.

Scottish institutions and individuals profited from imperial exploits, gaining wealth and opportunity.When the Edinburgh Medical School was established 1726, it became the Empire’s main educator for colonial medical personnel.

On one hand, the connection provided an opportunity for students from countries living under imperial rule to train in Edinburgh.

On the other, large numbers of graduates used their medical training to enforced imperial health policies and to maintain the health and economic viability of an enslaved workforce.