Fig.1: An African medicine man's bag, (1880-1930.)   Fig.2: An Indian steel rectal syringe.   Fig.4: A Sri Lankan carved ivory syringe.   Fig.4: A plaster figure group, appealing to the God, Yao Wang.   Fig.5: Accupuncture Figure, China, 17th Century.

                                      


Each culture has a medical tradition. Some medical traditions stretch back over thousands of years such as Ayerveda, Chinese, and African medicine. Medical objects or tools that that have been used in different cultures can give insights into the diversity of knowledge of treating illnesses in these cultures. Millions of people across the world still use these traditions. In China for example, 40% of people use traditional Chinese medicine.

    An exhibition on permanent display at the Science and Art of Medicine gallery, Science Museum, London reveals the fascinating history of medicine across the world and across cultures through a display of 5,000 objects – the tools used in medicine.


                                                                                                                                         Rachel Hajar. M.D.