Centuries-old medical books on display
[ The University of Melbourne Voice Vol. 2, No. 4
17 March - 14 April 2008 ] By Janine Sim-Jones
Rare historical medical books, the oldest dating back to 1577, will be on display at the University of Melbourne’s Medical History Museum until the end of March.
Thirty volumes from the Rare Medical Book Collection – normally on restricted access – will be on display to 28 March as part of the exhibition: The Engraver’s Hand in the Medical Text.
Medical History Museum curator Ann Brothers says the books were selected not only for their significance in the history of medicine, but also for the quality of their illustrations, which were works of art in their own right.
“The books feature intricate engravings of anatomical drawings and exquisite hand-painted prints of medicinal plants frequently used as herbal remedies and were often executed by leading artists and engravers of the time.
“Many of the illustrated books on anatomy were published not only for the instruction of medical professionals but also for artists, who were equally interested in the structure of the human body.”
Texts in the exhibition include De Arte Gymnastica by Hieronymi Mercurialis, 1577, showing the ideal sports and exercises for the human body and Morbid Anatomy of some of the most important parts of the human body by Matthew Baillie, 1799, a unique and personal copy which belonged to the artist, with his original drawings inserted.
The exhibition is part of the 10th anniversary celebrations for the University’s Centre for Health and Society which included an Anniversary symposium on the theme: Looking Back, Looking Forward: Rights and Social Inequalities and Health.
The Medical History Museum, Level 2 of the Brownless Biomedical Library, is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
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