Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE)

The RCPE is an independent standard-setting body and professional membership organisation. Our aim is to improve and maintain the quality of patient care.

We help qualified doctors to pursue their careers in specialist (internal) medicine through medical examinations, education and training. We also provide resources and information to support and facilitate professional development for physicians throughout their careers.

The Library was founded in 1682 when Sir Robert Sibbald, one of the founders of the College donated 100 volumes. The Library is the oldest, and the largest, medical library in Scotland. The Library and Archives hold over 60,000 books and almost 1500 journals. Also held are over 300 externally deposited manuscript collections concerning eminent scientists such as Joseph Black and William Cullen.