An historical timeline of the College
Since the 16th century our Fellows and Members have striven to change the face of medicine; dedicated to setting the highest standards of health care, our College has been driving progress for generations.
1599
The Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow founded by Scottish Surgeon Peter Lowe.
1697
Acquisition of First Faculty Hall beside the Tron Church, Glasgow.
1698
The Library was founded in 1698.
1761
Former President Joseph Black discovers latent heat. The discovery marked the foundation of thermodynamics.
1791
Acquisition of Second Faculty Hall in St Enoch's Square, Glasgow.
1841
Honorary Fellow, David Livingston, departs on his first expedition to Africa.
1862
The Faculty moves to 242 St Vincent Street. It has since added the adjacent properties and today occupies 232 - 242 St Vincent Street.
1865
Fellow, Joseph Lister, discovers the use of carbolic acid as an antiseptic in surgery.
1879
Fellow, Sir William Macewen, carries out the first operation on a brain tumour.
1896
Fellow John McIntyre, opens the world's first radiology department at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
1909
The Faculty is renamed the Royal Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
1912
Jamini Sen becomes the first female Fellow of the College.
1958
Physician Fellow Ian Donald and engineer Tom Brown build the world's first successful ultrasound diagnostic machine.
1962
The Royal Faculty is renamed the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
1974
Former President Sir Graham Teasdale, and Fellow Bryan Jennett CBE, invent the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), which is used today all over the world.
1990
The Dental Faculty is established.
2006
The Faculty of Travel Medicine is established.
2012
The Faculty of Podiatric Medicine is established.