The first event in the Society's calendar for 2010 - a new decade, not merely a new year - was to the Royal College of Physicians, the oldest medical college in England, dating from 1518, which has played a major role in the development and regulation of the medical profession ever since. The College is now housed in a noteworthy modern building adjoining Regents Park.

The tour for SIS Members included the Symons Collection of medical instruments which are largely Georgian, the Grade I listed building itself, a visit to the library of historical books, the portraits and the silver collections. Thomas Linacre's books formed the core of the first library which now covers centuries of medical discovery and many diverse subjects besides. The unique archive and manuscript collections contain a wealth of material on the College's professional activities and the lives of Fellows. The portrait collection reveals the most eminent figures in the history of medicine and science from the 16th century to the present day, depicted by some of Britain's greatest artists. The silver collection includes items still in regular use and other treasures include a rare 17th century chest of surgical instruments and six 17th century anatomical tables created from preserved human blood vessels and nerves - one of only two sets known to exist.

Medical instruments from the Royal College of Physicians