Healing Touch: an illustrated history of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland

by Alf Mccreary

This richly illustrated volume, by internationally renowned author and journalist, Mr Alf McCreary, tells the history of the College from its origins as the Fraternity of Physicians of Trinity Hall in 1654 through over three centuries of war, revolution, rebirth and medical advancement. Drawing on the wealth of material in the Heritage Centre’s unique collections, this book places the development of the College within the wider history of Ireland, and celebrates the extraordinary individuals who have contributed to making the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland an internationally renowned organisation.

The narrative is not only about the many advances in healthcare since then, but also about the personal, as well as professional, lives of the men and women who have made the College what it is today. It is a wonderful read for those interested in the history of medicine in Ireland and the people who shaped the College and helped to create a medical college which leads excellence in medical education and training.

This superbly presented volume, with over 500 illustrations, also takes the reader on a fascinating journey through nearly four centuries of Ireland’s turbulent history. The extensive archive of the College contains a wealth of material of historical significance and the inclusion of many images of key historical documents has added greatly to the text.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2015