For general enquiries about our collections, please contact complete the form:
"*" indicates required fields
Heritage collections
The RSE holds a large collection of records, rare books, and portraits, which tell the story of the Society’s history. The inspiring collection stretch back to the earliest days of the Society in 1783, and are open to anyone interested in the history of the Society.
On this page: Enquire about collections Publishing requests Contact us
Contact us about your research
The RSE is open for enquiries about the collections, or about the history of the institution, including:
- Providing more details about what we hold in our collections
- Advising on the suitability of our holdings for your research
- Directing you to other archives suitable for your research
- Searching our publications
- Providing limited facts and figures
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide valuations for your books or collections.
Publishing requests
The RSE encourages the reproduction of material from the Society’s historic collections for the promotion of knowledge and understanding. In order for permission to be granted, the following terms and conditions apply:
- A requester must apply to the RSE for permission, identifying which items they would like to reproduce, and for what purpose. Permission must be sought prior to publication.
- Permission will only be granted where the Royal Society of Edinburgh is unambiguously the copyright holder.
- Credit must be given to the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
- Reproductions are only to be used for the requested purpose – any additional use is subject to an additional request from the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
- Permission will not be granted on an exclusive basis, and may be granted to other requesters.
- The term “to publish” includes (but is not limited to) print, film, video, slide presentation, television and associated online services, web, and exhibition formats.
- The Royal Society of Edinburgh reserves the right to restrict the use or reproduction of rare and valuable items, to ensure the use of material is reproduced in good taste, to request additional charges for items which are unusually difficult to copy, and to deny a request because of copyright regulations, privacy rights, or donor-imposed regulations.
- In some cases, a courtesy copy of the publication will be requested by the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Please note that the RSE reserves the right to refuse publication permission.
Contact us
For any enquiries about the RSE’s archive, records, and collections, please contact Katie McDonald on: