[2][3][4] The RCPE was formed by a royal charter, granted in 1681, with Sir Robert Sibbald recognised as playing a key part in the negotiations.

[9] On 27 November 1775 William Cullen laid the foundation stone for a new hall and library in George Street in the New Town.

Architect James Craig, had ideas about expansion but the builders of neighbouring properties found favour instead.

[6]: 50  Unfortunately the great cost of the hall's exterior exhausted the college's finances leaving no money to finish the interior of a building.

In 1984 the college put Richard Dadd's painting of Alexander Morison up for sale, to raise money to treat dry rot.

[19][20] The library also has artefacts, such as a medicine chest that belonged to Stuart Threipland, physician to Bonnie Prince Charlie.

[24] In 1888 the college took the decision to establish its own research laboratory and initially rented a house in Lauriston Lane, near the Royal Infirmary.

It was established in 1971 as Chronicle,[26] renamed in 1988 to Proceedings of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh,[27] and obtained its current title in 2002.

[28] Following successful completion of the MRCP(UK) or MRCPCH examinations, doctors are eligible to become Members of the college.