What do history buffs, The Pitt fans, and those with morbid curiosity have in common? The fact that they need to pay the fascinating and, at times, gruesome Marks-Hirschfeld Museum of Medical History a visit, of course.
The Museum collection traces its origins all the way back to an exhibition of historical medicine at the Australasian Medical Congress of 1950 in Brisbane. After the congress, many of the exhibition items were donated to The University of Queensland and now make up the Marks-Hirschfeld Museum’s foundation collection, which is always available for public viewing.
Another, significant component of the donation came from the personal collection of leading Queensland medical expert Dr Alexander Hammett Marks, giving the museum the first half of its name. The other half comes from Dr Konrad Hirschfeld, a pioneering chest surgeon in Brisbane and the Museum’s first curator. Together, their contributions are honoured in the name of this interesting medical space.
The Museum is home to some valuable and unique items of medical and historical significance, including the first x-ray machine in Queensland, one of Lord Lister’s carbolic sprays used for antisepsis during surgery, a pioneering respirator for twins from 1947, mechanical leeches, a field stretcher from World War I, a copy of James’ 18th century Medicinal Dictionary, and several early models of the sphygmograph, which were devices used in the mid-19th century to chart the strength of the pulse.
The Museum takes visitors on a journey through medical history through a diverse collection of more than 8,000 instruments, machines, photographs, books, personal effects and artworks, highlighting the practice, innovation and triumphs of the people practicing medicine in Queensland.
You are certain to leave with a newfound appreciation and gratefulness for modern medicine, especially once you take a peek at exhibits such as old-school enema kits, amputation saws, blood letting devices, and even the aptly — and hauntingly — named tonsil guillotine.
Practical information
The Marks-Hirschfeld Museum of Medical History is housed inside the beautiful UQ Mayne Medical Building, and is free to visit every day from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Guided visits are available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
📍Marks-Hirschfeld Museum of Medical History, Mayne Medical Building, 288 Herston Road, Herston