From early on, the objective was to create an overarching and all-encompassing journal for medical professionals to exchange insights, knowledge and opinion, and to guarantee consistent progress throughout the country.

Especially in the first century of its existence, the NTvG published a variety of original research of Dutch medical professionals.

Given the broad international medical community, the Journal included findings of foreign researchers translated into Dutch.

Its monopolistic position was later infringed by the establishment of various medical journals that have taken on a distinct stance, i.e. exclusively clinical studies.

In 1946, the Nederlandsche Maatschappij tot Bevordering der Geneeskunst put an end to the cooperation and declared Medisch Contact as its new main organ.

The library has a rich collection of medical-historical literature: the fields of anatomy, physiology, pathology, surgery, gynecology, obstetrics and botany are covered over a time span from 1500 to 1900.

[10] The NTvG's editorial office in Amsterdam is composed of clinicians working in Dutch hospitals and general practice.