Poxed: Germs in History

30 October 2026 - 9 July 2027

Monday – Friday, 10am - 4.30pm (holiday closures)

Free entry

Physicians' Gallery, 11 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JQ

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Using books, illustrations and objects from our collections, this exhibition explores the changing history of humanity’s relationship with microorganisms. From fear and superstitions to scientific discoveries, from magic spells to vaccines, this exhibition shows the human cost of epidemic diseases and the ways germs changed the way we live today.

The first theme of the exhibition explores the ways people coped with the constant threat of epidemics in times of ignorance and superstitions. The second theme looks at early medical theories of infection and the first glimpses into the secret word of germs.

The third theme explores the fear and stigma that followed sick and infected people through history. Finally, it looks at the history of different therapies against infectious diseases and the development of vaccines.