Heberden Library

BSR owns a large collection of medico-historical books on rheumatology and related conditions. There are more than 1,500 items in the Heberden Library, including books, pamphlets, journals and photographs.

WSC Copeman, the first honorary librarian of the Heberden Society, and EGL Bywaters, the second honorary librarian, were both instrumental in collecting the items that make up the library we have today.

Since 1966, recent books, reports, proceedings, and documents have been added to the collection with the aim of providing a history of rheumatology for future generations.

To help ensure we have a wide range and up to date historical record of rheumatology, we invite you to donate any relevant books to the Heberden Library. Please contact us with the title and author of the book that you'd like to donate.

Physical copies are stored at the RCP London office, the Wellcome Collection or in the British Society for Rheumatology offices.

Oral histories

We are looking to collect audio recordings on experiences of treatments, from all perspectives, before the advent of biologics.

Contribute a recording

Online catalogue

Search the catalogue for access to library materials, and then request them from bsr@rheumatology.org.uk.

Search the catalogue

Heberden Artifacts

Veedee

Veedee vibratory massager was claimed to cure varying ailments including colds and digestive complaints through ‘curative vibration’. The device was made in Germany and produced in the early 20^th century.

Dissection kit

Dissection kit from Dr Barbara Ansell. Barbara Mary Ansell was a British medical doctor and the founder of the field of paediatric rheumatology. Ansell was notable for outstanding contributions to the advancement of paediatric knowledge, specifically defining chronic joint disorders and the improvement of their management.

Heberden Society President’s medal

Heberden Society President’s medal. This medal was worn by presidents of the Heberden Society, formed in 1936 and named after the founding father of rheumatology, William Heberden. The Heberden Society merged with the British Association for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation to form BSR in 1983.

Caricature of William Heberden

We have both the original caricatures and this book with information on them. Info on the book:

‘The Heberden Society: History, Portraits and Biographies’ – John H.M. Moll, 1987

Published four years after BSR was founded, this book covers the history of the Heberden Society. The author, J.H.M. Moll, was a keen caricaturist, and the book includes portraits of society members such as Barbara Ansell and Eric Bywaters.