When: September 2007
Where: NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD
Institute: National Library of Medicine (NLM)

A decade ago, British writer J.K. Rowling published the first in a series of seven books about Harry Potter, a boy wizard who is the only known survivor of a “killing curse.” Rowling’s books were soon breaking publishing records, and “the boy who lived” became entrenched in the popular imagination.

But there is more to the Harry Potter series than a child hero or a fantasy adventure. Rowling has drawn on important works of alchemy and herbology in shaping her stories. In a special temporary exhibition, NLM’s History of Medicine Division presents “Medicine and Magic in Harry Potter,” which showcases seven of the beautiful, centuries-old treasures from its collection that are mentioned in the series.

Next Steps
The exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the History of Medicine Division.

NLM will offer a free screening of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” on Friday, September 7, in Lister Hill Auditorium, Building 38A. Light refreshments will be served in the lobby at 5:30 p.m., and the program will begin at 6 p.m. All are welcome.

For more information, contact the NLM Office of Communication and Public Liaison at (301) 496-6308.

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