Viper's flesh and unicorn's horn: the quest for a magical panacea

Viper's flesh and unicorn's horn: the quest for a magical panacea

Collection:
NLM Publications and Productions
Alternate Title(s):
Harry Potter themed lecture
Contributor(s):
Waddell, Mark.
National Library of Medicine (U.S.)
Publication:
[Bethesda, Md.] : National Library of Medicine, 2008
Language(s):
English
Format:
Moving image
Subject(s):
History of Medicine
History, Early Modern 1451-1600
History, 17th Century
Religion and Medicine
Antidotes
Abstract:
(Producer) In the Harry Potter novels, Madame Pomfrey has a magical cure for virtually any ailment, from missing bones and a nasty case of slug-vomiting to the deadly gaze of the basilisk. The ease with which fictional magic is brought to bear on human illness, however, stands in sharp contrast to the difficulties encountered by a host of historical figures who sought to harness the possibilities of magic in their quest for the ultimate panacea. Notions of occult sympathies and correspondences gave rise to remedies like theriac, potable gold, and the weapon salve, but also encouraged widespread quackery, fraud, and accusations of diabolical sorcery. What connections do these remedies have with the roots of modern medicine and with our continuing quest for the ultimate cure? This talk is sponsored in conjunction with an exhibit "Harry Potter's world: Renaissance science, magic, and medicine."
Copyright:
The National Library of Medicine believes this item to be in the public domain. (More information)
Extent:
045 min.
Color:
Color
Sound:
Sound
Credits:
Presenter, Mark Waddell.
Provenance:
Received: Oct. 31, 2008; transfer; from Dr. Stephen Greenberg.
Technique:
Live action
NLM Unique ID:
101489704 (See catalog record)
OCLC no.:
297494516
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101489704