A decade ago, British writer J. K. Rowling published Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first in a series of seven books about a boy wizard who is the only known survivor of a “Killing Curse.” A year later the book was released in the United States with the title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Ms. 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 -many characters, plants, and creatures are based in history, medicine, and magical lore. Ms Rowling has drawn on important works of alchemy and herbology in shaping her stories. In a special temporary exhibition, the History of Medicine Division of the National Library of Medicine showcases some of the mentioned treasures in its collection.

When: Opening Tuesday July 24 2007 closing November 30 2007
Available 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday
Where: History of Medicine Division Reading Room

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