In its exhibition “Impasses of medicine”, the Library of Study and Heritage of Toulouse offers visitors to discover, until January 28, 2023, the errors of course in the history of the development of medicine, fabulous remedies poisonous drugs.

” Medicine is not an exact science, and its history is made of trial and error “, Explain the Library of Studies and Heritage of Toulouse before his exhibition. From the fabulous remedies of the Middle Ages to the poisonous drugs of the 20th century, she looks back on the history of the wanderings – and errors – of the discipline.

Because since its beginnings in Antiquity, it has evolved. But contemporary and modern medicine also has its share of imperfections. A story that can be discovered in the exhibition “Impasses de la médecine”, at the Library of Study and Heritage of Toulouse, until January 28, 2023.

From Andromaque theriac to Depakine

Did you know ? The theriac is made in Toulouse on the Place du Capitole. This ancient complex pharmaceutical remedy, invented by Andromache in the 1st century, was prepared in public, under the aegis of the authorities. A clever mix of dozens of elements, from viper flesh to beaver gland secretion, including honey. An appetizing panacea!

She was all the same pendant used over 1500 years before being discredited by the development of medicine, and the exhibition of the library of Toulouse a dozen other stories like these to tell. This is the much more recent case of Depakine, a drug against epilepsy and bipolar disorder which has been found to be the cause of tens of thousands of birth defects.

Useful information : Exhibition “Impasses of medicine”. Library of Studies and Heritage, 1 rue de Périgord, Toulouse. Opening hours: until January 28, 2023, during library opening hours (Tues-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m.). Price: free. Guided tours on January 11 for those over 10 years old, and on January 20 and 24 for those over 16 years old.