Hidden Treasures: Natural History Exhibits at the Royal College of Surgeons

The Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons of England opened in 1813. The collection of the anatomist John Hunter formed the basis of this museum, and this remains the case to date. Approximately two thirds of the museum collections were destroyed during the Second World War, but acquisitions have been made since this devastation , which have broadened the collections. This article briefly discusses the variety of the natural history material within the College collections, and describes three recent temporary exhibitions which have enabled the general public to view material usually kept in store.