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Explore the history of medicine through objects!  

Find out all about surgery and medicine before the introduction of anaesthesia and antiseptics.

Staff from the Old Operating Theatre will be joining in to talk about how operations were carried out in the Victorian era. Visitors will be able to handle historic medical objects such as a poison bottle, an inhaler and a scarificator (a bloodletting instrument). Come along to learn what these objects are and how they would have been used.

Families who attend the handling session can also view the Blood & Battle: Dissecting the Life of William Beatty exhibition free of charge. Please be mindful that some of the images and videos in the immersive space may prove disturbing for younger audiences.

* Children of all ages are welcome to join in (at their responsible adult’s discretion). The session is aimed at ages 8+.