Adler Museum of Medicine

Description

The Adler Museum of Medicine, situated at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, houses an invaluable collection of over 40,000 objects illustrating the history of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.

The Adler Museum of Medicine has reconstructions of an African herb shop, early Johannesburg pharmacy, dental surgery, doctor’s consulting room, and optometry display. Alternative medicine displays showcase the practices of acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Tibb, Ayurveda, and Traditional South African healing. Other attractions range from a reconstruction of a patient being treated by the famous Persian physician Avicenna, to an exhibition of early electro-medical equipment.

Visitors are also invited to browse the pictures, videos, sculptures, documents, philatelic and medallion collections, and the library of rare books relating to medical history. The Museum also has a rich archive of medical subject matter, as well as biographical information relating to thousands of medical and allied health professionals, that is available to students, researchers, and members of the public.

Panels relating to the history of the Cradle of Humankind (Sterkfontein and surrounds) and a display of replicas from the site give visitors a fascinating glimpse into this World Heritage Site.

The Adler Museum of Medicine hosts regular public lectures, tours for students of all ages, film shows, and exhibitions, and provides excellent facilities for the teaching and research of medical history.