| Administrative History | Founded by medical students in 1899, the society aimed to promote anatomical and anthropological research. At this time the University's medical curriculum included fewer formal lectures and practical classes than is normal today. Typically, students had seven terms in Anatomy, including two terms of revision, during which they were expected to "do things for themselves, learn to observe accurately, think, and develop logical minds." (Alexander Low, 'Aberdeen University Anatomical and Anthropological Society', in Aberdeen University Review, Summer 1944). Filling an obvious gap in the medical curriculum, it stimulated interest in not only anatomical and anthropological research, but also the allied disciplines of anthropometry and archaeology.
At weekly meetings, members and invited lecturers presented talks for discussion and debate. Invited lecturers included University staff, local medical practitioners, and academics from further a-field, including many distinguished experts in their field of study. Student members also presented 'Anatomical Variations' - anomalies in human anatomy that they had encountered during the course of their studies - for discussion.
For a short history of the society, see Alexander Low, 'The Aberdeen University Anatomical and Anthropological Society', in Aberden University Review, Summer 1944 (a reprint is deposited with the papers of Alexander Low, ref. MS2629/3). |
| Custodial History | This material remained in the Department of Anatomy prior to its deposit in Special Libraries and Archives. Date and source not recorded - transferred to Special Libraries and Archives c 1995 - 96
This material remained in the Department of Anatomy, University of Aberdeen prior to its transfer to Special Libraries and Archives. MS U 1332 was transferred c 1995 - 96 and ACC 066 in May 2004. |
| Description | Proceedings of the Anatomical and Anthropological Society, 1899 - 1902, 1906 - 1914 (printed), 1912 - 1962 (manuscript); illustrations used in printed 'Proceedings', 1902 - 1906; 'Anatomical Variations', 1891 - 1892, 1916 - 1938, 1945; photographs of the Society's founders, c 1900. |