2024 marks the centenary of the death of Sir William Macewen (1848-1924), arguably the most innovative surgeon of his time. In 1879 at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Macewen became the first person to successfully remove a brain tumour. He also pioneered bone graft surgery and asepsis – His aseptic practices, such as the sterilisation of instruments and the wearing of gloves, underpinned all of his operations and helped to improve the recovery of his patients.

Our new exhibition which launches in September 2024 celebrates and explores this exceptional man and his groundbreaking achievements.

Born in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute in 1848, Macewen gained his degree of M.D. in 1872 from the University of Glasgow. In 1875 he was appointed assistant surgeon to the Royal Infirmary at Glasgow, becoming a full Surgeon in 1877. On his appointment to the Infirmary he devoted himself to surgery and it was during this time that he made his important advances in both brain and bone surgery.

Alongside his outstanding contributions brain, bone and aseptic surgery, Macewen also made important advancements in anaesthesia, hernia repair, prosthetics, and surgery of the lung and ear. He was a founder of the Princess Louise Scottish Hospital for Limbless Sailors and Soldiers (now known as Erskine) and along with Matron Rebecca Strong, was instrumental in the professionalisation of nursing.

Macewen was a distinguished Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and played an active role in the education and examination of its fellows and members. He spent his career working in hospitals across the city of Glasgow and became Regius Professor of Surgery at the University of Glasgow in 1892. He was knighted ten years later in 1902 and amongst many other national and international awards and honours was granted the Freedom of Rothesay, his hometown in 1922.

Visit the exhibition
Opens 21st September 2024 to 30th June 2025.
William Macewen: At the Cutting Edge, opens to the public on 21st September 2024 as part of our celebrations for the Glasgow Doors Open Day Festival. We’ll be open from 10am-4pm and we’d love for you to join us. You can also visit the exhibition on Monday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm (excluding bank holidays). Please make an appointment to visit at other times by contacting library@rcpsg.ac.uk.