The symbols within the Coat of Arms of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Written by Roxanne Miftahittin
Roxanne is a postgraduate student at the University of Glasgow pursuing a degree in Museum Studies.
How do you fit 425 years of history into a four metre case? This was my challenge as a student from the University of Glasgow’s Museum Studies programme. I have been working with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow through my work placement course to curate a display commemorating the 425th anniversary of the founding of the College. The resulting pop-up exhibition in the Library Reading Room interprets the history of the Royal College using the symbols found within the Coat of Arms.
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow Coat of Arms
Since its founding in 1599, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow has had a significant impact in the field of medicine. From cofounder, Peter Lowe’s book, ‘The Whole Course of Chirurgerie’, to Joseph Lister’s development of antiseptics and William Macewen’s groundbreaking brain surgery, the innovations created by the Fellows and Members of the College have transformed the practice of healthcare.
The Royal College’s building is a grand combination of Georgian architecture, Victorian adaptations and modern facilities. Looking closer, I noticed an insignia repeated throughout the décor of the College, featured in the logo, artwork, architectural elements and even the carpeting of the building. The image is the Coat of Arms of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. By examining the symbols of the Coat of Arms, I was able to find a framework for interpreting the story of the College.
The exhibition that has been developed investigates the history of the Royal College and its global support of medical professionals and their patients through the context of the two Latin phrases found within the coat of arms.
The Coat of Arms design on the Carpet in the David Livingstone Room
‘Conjurat amice’, or ‘together in friendship’, examines the importance of the College’s co-operative structure as the only multidisciplinary medical Royal College in the United Kingdom. Some of the collection items on display include:
- A silver lancet case, representing the lancet, symbol of surgeons
- A bottle of laudanum, representing the poppy, symbol of physicians
- The Royal College Ballot Box, representing ‘Conjurat amice’
‘Non Vivere Sed Valere Vita’ translates to the phrase ‘not just to live life but to have a healthy life’. By analysing what it means to live a healthy life, the display explores the importance of wellness and continued learning facilitated by the Royal College and the impact on healthcare workers and their patients. The Collection items on display include:
- A copy of ‘The Whole Course of Chirurgerie’ by Peter Lowe, representing the Royal Arms of Scotland
- The clinical sketches of Dr. Anglin Whitelocke, representing Minerva, goddess of science and art
- Photos of patients from Mearnskirk hospital, representing ‘Non Vivere Sed Valere Vita’
Through these two scopes, I was able to look at the diverse stories of the Fellows and Members of the College and their influence on the past, present and future of medicine. I hope this display provides a greater understanding of the coat of arms and the mission of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. As a Museum Studies student, it was rewarding to apply my classroom education toward the development of an exhibition. I am so grateful to the College for the support and guidance provided.