RVC Historical Collection

The RVC library holds a large collection of historical and rare veterinary books along with archives relating to the history of the Royal Veterinary College, it's Principals and Veterinary Medicine. 

Eclipse

In the racing seasons of 1769 and 1770 a horse called Eclipse dominated English horse-racing. Eclipse was retired from racing in 1770 unbeaten and stood at stud until he died in 1789, at the age of 25.

Veterinary expertise was needed to understand the cause of Eclipse’s death and the secret of his racing success. The only qualified vet in the country at the time was Frenchman Charles Vial de Saint Bel, who was gaining support for his plan to establish a vet school.

Charles Vial de Saint Bel

Black and white photograph of engraving of portrait of Charles Vial de Saint Bel, Principal of The Royal Veterinary College 1791-1793. With facsimilie of his signature.

Saint Bel's anatomical, geometrical and mechanical drawing representing the motions 

of the legs of the famous Eclipse

Taken from 'The Works of Charles Vial de Sainbel, Professor of Veterinary Medicine'

Saint Bel's geometrical drawing representing the exact proportions

of the late famous Eclipse

Taken from 'The Works of Charles Vial de Sainbel, Professor of Veterinary Medicine'

One of the most important items in the RVC archives is the handwritten minute book of the Odiham Agricultural Society, covering the period November 1790 to April 1793. It allows us to trace the beginnings of the Royal Veterinary College from its foundation. The Odiham Society was orginally established to encourage agriculture and industry in the town of Odiham; by 1785 it's aims had grown to encourage and promote the study of farriery "upon rational scientific principles".  A london committee was formed to establish a vet school.  Granville Penn, Grandson of William Penn, was part of the committee and championed Saint Bel as first Professor.

The foundation of the College

At a meeting held at the Blenheim Coffee House on 18th February 1791 was resolved "that from this day forward they shall be called by the name of The Veterinary College, London" and that Mr Saint Bel be appointed Professor to the college. 

The Veterinary College, London, was built in the parish of St Pancras in 1791, on the current site of The RVC’s Camden Campus and in January 1792, four students began a three year course intended to cover all aspects of the veterinary art.

On 8th April the meeting discussed the specifics of the college including the books that should be in the library.  The collection you see above includes just a few of those books, all of which we hold in the archive.