Lunch Time Talk: Catching the Clap-A History of Gonorrhoea

Thu Oct 23 2025 at 01:15 pm to 01:45 pm UTC+01:00

Surgeons' Hall Museum | Edinburgh

Surgeons' Hall Museums
Publisher/HostSurgeons' Hall Museums
Lunch Time Talk: Catching the Clap-A History of Gonorrhoea
Advertisement
Human Remains Conservator Cat Irving will explore the history of Gonorrheoa and why it became commonly know as The Clap
About this Event

Join us for this bite sized lunch time talk exploring the history of medicine.

The Royal College of Surgeons has existed for over 500 years and holds one of the world’s most significant pathology collections, documenting centuries of disease. In this fascinating lunchtime talk, Human Remains Conservator Cat Irving delves into the surprising and often scandalous history of one of humanity’s oldest known infections: gonorrhoea.

Possibly mentioned in the Bible and widely known by its nickname, The Clap, gonorrhoea has been the subject of ancient cures, bizarre misconceptions, and evolving medical treatments. Drawing on examples from the museum’s extensive collection, this talk will explore how the infection was understood and treated through the centuries, and uncover the origins of its curious name.

Talks will last approximately 30 mins and there will be tea and coffee available for ticket holders.

Age Guidance: 16+

Important Refund Information: Please note that included in your ticket prices is a 96p booking charge which is non-refundable. This is part of Eventbrite terms and conditions and is not at the discretion of Surgeons' Hall Museums.

Content Warning: Our collections contain human remains as well as representations of anatomy, injury, and disease that some may find upsetting.

Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Surgeons' Hall Museum, Surgeons Hall Museum, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Tickets

GBP 3.00

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Discover more events by tags:

Art in EdinburghFine-arts in Edinburgh

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Edinburgh

From chaos to calm in the kitchen- Event for Parents and kids EDINBURGH
Thu, 23 Oct at 11:00 am From chaos to calm in the kitchen- Event for Parents and kids EDINBURGH

Thermomix Scotland Branch Studio

Edinburgh Big Curry Lunch 2025
Thu, 23 Oct at 12:00 pm Edinburgh Big Curry Lunch 2025

Edinburgh City Chambers

SEFARI Showcase
Thu, 23 Oct at 12:00 pm SEFARI Showcase

Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue

5k Taster Tour Series #9 - Ghosts and Graveyards Tour
Thu, 23 Oct at 12:30 pm 5k Taster Tour Series #9 - Ghosts and Graveyards Tour

St Andrew Square

Dr Bell's Family Centre: Postnatal Fitness October - December 25
Thu, 23 Oct at 01:00 pm Dr Bell's Family Centre: Postnatal Fitness October - December 25

Dr Bells Family Centre

Dementia-Friendly Film Club: Calamity Jane
Thu, 23 Oct at 01:30 pm Dementia-Friendly Film Club: Calamity Jane

MacMillan Hub, 12c MacMillan Square, EH4 4AB Edinburgh, United Kingdom

\u2018Engraved on Man\u2019s Skin\u2019: The Auld Alliance, Much More than a Military Alliance
Thu, 23 Oct at 03:00 pm ‘Engraved on Man’s Skin’: The Auld Alliance, Much More than a Military Alliance

West Parliament Square, EH1 1 Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Christmas Open Evening
Thu, 23 Oct at 04:00 pm Christmas Open Evening

Frogston Road East, EH16 6TJ Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Data Centre Club Scotland
Thu, 23 Oct at 04:00 pm Data Centre Club Scotland

The Scotsman Hotel (The Fettercairn Suite)

The Aftermath of the Auld Alliance: Franco-Scottish attitudes since the Union of the Crowns
Thu, 23 Oct at 05:00 pm The Aftermath of the Auld Alliance: Franco-Scottish attitudes since the Union of the Crowns

West Parliament Square, EH1 1 Edinburgh, United Kingdom

CHANEL Holiday Masterclass
Thu, 23 Oct at 05:00 pm CHANEL Holiday Masterclass

John Lewis Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Edinburgh Events