First and Second Halls of the RMS

Abstract

The Society’s First Hall (1775-1852) in Surgeons’ Square Towards the end of 1734, a group of six medical students agreed that they should meet in the evening once a fortnight at their respective lodgings, and that a dissertation on some medical subject, at the choice of the Society, should be composed and read at each of those meetings. This laid the foundations for the Royal Medical Society. The Medical Society was formally constituted in 1734 with ten members, and early meetings were held in a tavern close to the University. A president was appointed to supervise the business of the meeting, and fines were instituted for those that were absent without due cause. A treasurer was appointed to collect these dues, and a secretary appointed to provide a formal record of the proceedings.