"Gross-tober: Images from the History of Medicine,” will be presented by Erin Torell, archives associate and John Schleicher, associate professor and head of special collections at the McGoogan Library of Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, at the next Omaha Science Café at 7 p.m., Oct. 13 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St.
Schleicher and Torell will showcase gross, odd, and unusual medical images from the History of Medicine collection of the McGoogan Library of Medicine. Attendees can view images of dermatologic and venereal diseases on stereoscope cards and 3D reproductions of diseases and conditions created with wax on plaster, called moulages.
Schleicher and Torell also will provide images of amputations, gunshot wounds, obstetrics, and eye diseases from books and resources used to educate doctors from the 1890s through the 1940s.
Schleicher is a native Nebraskan who received his bachelor’s degree in social science and education from Hastings College and his master’s degree in history from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He has worked in public history throughout his career, at the Durham Museum in Omaha, the Dodge County Historical Society in Fremont, and the Nebraska State Historical Society in Lincoln.
In 2002, Schleicher came to the McGoogan Library of Medicine at UNMC as head of special collections, which include rare books, archives, artifacts, and art works relating to the health professions. His research interests include various aspects of Nebraska medical history, and the history of the other health professions in the state.
Torell received her master’s degree in history from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kan. She has worked in museum archives and libraries throughout her career. She joined the UMNC McGoogan Library of Medicine in 2010.
Science Cafés involve a face-to-face conversation with a scientist about current science topics. They are open to everyone (21 and older) and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. A scientist gives a brief presentation followed by a question and answer period.
Pizza will be provided for the first 50 people. For more information about Science Cafes, go to www.unmc.edu/sciencecafe. Podcasts of previous Science Cafes also are available on the website or available for download on iTunes here.
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