Podcast Episode

A History of Gonorrhoea

Beyond The Knife··30 July 2026·22 min

About this episode

Welcome to Beyond the Knife -where history and medicine collide. In this episode, we’re joined by anatomist and human remains conservator Cat Irving as she explores the long and often bizarre history of gonorrhoea, from early diagnoses and eye-watering treatments to the strange phenomenon of “smurf syndrome.” Discover the medical misconceptions, curious cures, and social attitudes surrounding one of history’s most infamous diseases. This episode is hosted by Chanté St Clair Inglis Director of Heritage and Estates at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Produced by Jordanna Kielty-O'Neill and Keshena Goldie for Surgeons Hall Museums, Library and Archives. Edited by John Kielty Music Credit: Zap Splat For more information about Surgeons Hall Museums and The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Library and Archives please see our websitesHome - Surgeons' Hall Museums, EdinburghHome | Library & Archive The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.