2-798-668 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Capping of Doctors of Medicine, at Edinburgh, 1845. Graduation ceremony for Scottish medical students: 'A large and brilliant auditory was closely packed in the amphitheatre; and, as it chiefly consisted of the personal friends, male and female, of the successful candidates for honours, great interest in the proceedings was manifested...The gentleman whose name stood first on the list announced, he advanced to the President, who, placing a round velvet cap on his head, addressed him, saying, "Ego te Doctorem Medicines creo" (I create you a Doctor of Medicine). He then removed the cap; and, from that moment, the Graduate became an M.D. - in testimony of which the President presented him with his diploma, rolled up in a neat tin case'. Women were prevented from qualifying as doctors. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.