Settling in Glasgow around 1598, surgeon Peter Lowe found the city’s medicine in the hands of “cosoners, quack-salvers, charlitans, witches, charmers, and divers other sorts of abusers”. In response, he petioned James VI for a charter that founded what is now the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

This talk by Carol Parry, Honorary Librarian of the Trades House of Glasgow, looks at his life and lasting influence on the health of the city.