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Geology and Medicine

Organised by: History of Geology Group
Date: 1-2 November 2011
Event Type: Conference, Field Trip
Venue: The Geological Society (Burlington House)
Accessibility: Hearing Aid Loop Wheelchair Access
Map
 
Medicine was essentially the birthplace for both natural science and geology and the first descriptions of rocks, minerals and fossils are often attributed to early physicians. One of the first pharmacies opened on the Arcadian Way in Ephesus around 400BC whereas the Egyptians prescribed mineral salts ground by mortar and pestle. Nicholas Steno (1638-1686) was an early example of a physician cum palaeontologist whereas James Parkinson (1755-1824) was a founding father of the Geological Society of London. This conference is dedicated to the memory of such personalities.

Over 35 oral and poster presentations will be given by historians of both geology and medicine. They are drawn from Universities and Institutes all over the World and their work provides an in depth perspective of:
  • The Contributions of Physicians to the Development of Geology
  • Lithotherapy-Lithopharmacy: The Pharmaceutical use of Rocks, Minerals and Earths
  • Medical Geology
  • Physicians, Mineral and Thermal Waters
  • Miscellanea

Excursions

Two excursions are planned for the afternoon of 30 October and all day on 3 November 2011. The first is a tour of the Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons, the second a one day tour of Oxford museums. Details of the excursions are available to download below:

Registration

To register for the meeting and/or excursions please complete the registration form below.
 
 

Convenor contact details:
Name: Dick Moody
E-Mail: rtj.moody@virgin.net

Convenor contact details:
Name: Chris Duffin
E-Mail: cduffin@blueyonder.co.uk