The Physico-Medical Society was founded in Würzburg on December 2, 1849, driven by prominent figures such as the anatomist Albert Koelliker (1817–1905), the pathologist Rudolf Virchow (1821–1902), the pharmacologist Franz von Rinecker (1811–1883), and the clinical chemist Johann Joseph Scherer (1814–1869).

The Society’s goal, shared by its founding members, was to advance all medical and natural science disciplines, to research the "natural-historical and medical conditions of Franconia," to encourage private physicians to engage in scientific work, and to offer public events where students could "observe their teachers in the midst of their research." Similar aims were pursued by the Würzburg Philosophical-Medical Society, founded in 1827, which merged with the younger Societas Physico-Medica in 1853.

As evidenced by handwritten and printed meeting protocols, regular scientific gatherings and the discussion of expert lectures presented at these meetings became a fundamental part of the Society's activities. Continuing this tradition, monthly scientific meetings with predominantly interdisciplinary themes are still held during each academic semester.

The members of the Physico-Medica published the research findings discussed in these meetings in four of the Society’s own journals: the Proceedings of the Physico-Medical Society, the Würzburg Medical Journal, the Würzburg Natural Science Journal, and the New Series of the Proceedings of the Physico-Medical Society. These periodicals are fully accessible via the digital journal collection of the University Library of Würzburg.

In addition, unique handwritten protocol volumes, printed statutes, commemorative publications, and library catalogs testify to the enduring influence of the Physico-Medica. Digitized versions of these texts are presented by the University Library of Würzburg in a dedicated collection on the Franconica portal. In 1880, the Society handed over its extensive book collection to the University Library for stewardship.

Information on the history and current activities of the Physico-Medical Society can be found on the Society's official website.