The Evolution of Porto Medical School Honour Students’ Folders

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In the “Maximiano Lemos” Museum of Medical History of the Medical School of the University of Porto (FMUP, 1911) there is a collection
of Honour Students’ folders that dates back to the time of its predecessor, the Porto Medical-Surgical School (1836–1911). Contrary to what happened with the student a!ire, the honour students’ folders were not included in the institutional rules, a fact that explains the diversity of motifs and materials used. However, the colours of the ribbons and the coating are course-specific and constant over time, as is the symbolism underlying the di"erent representations.

In the past, the beauty of the specimens mirrors the aesthetic taste and a"ection of the people involved in their idealisation and/or production, even when made to order. They contrast with the simplicity and uniformity of the recent mass-produced folders.
Underlying all the folders are dates, signatures and inscriptions, in prose or in verse, of the masters, fellow students, family and friends, which reflect feelings and highlight the most striking features of each personality.
Honour folders represent one of the oldest traditions of student life and are material proof of the academic community’s identity and rejoicing. Their preservation and outreach ma!er.