Lecture on surgical past

These days patients can safely assume their surgeons are able to read and write, but the same could not be said 500 years ago - except for those fortunate enough to live in Edinburgh.

This requirement for Edinburgh's trainee surgeons was visionary in the 16th century, and is part of the fascinating surgical history that will be shared with visiting delegates at the International Congress on Shoulder and Elbow Surgery that opens tomorrow.

Shoulder and elbow surgeons will be welcomed with a lecture by retired surgeon and medical historian Iain MacIntyre.