Through the conservation, research and developement of its collections, and the provision of the broadest possible public and professional, intellectual and physical access, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh seeks to:

• raise awareness, understanding and knowledge of the development and practice of surgery and related medical sciences worldwide
• raise awareness, understanding and knowledge of the significance of Edinburgh and Scotland in the development and practice of modern surgery
• raise awareness, understanding and knowledge of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in the development and practice of modern surgery