ABSTRACT
The tradition of collecting medical items in the Balkan countries is relatively a new one and it is closely connected with the origins of Balkan medical museums. During the turbulent period of the 19thc. in Balkan history, museums and medicine were viewed as essential in the process of the national building projects. As a consequence, medical museums have played a crucial role not only by illuminating the historical significance of the material culture of Balkan medicine, but also by educating and training medical professionals. The paper focuses on the distinct character of the Balkan medical museums, stating specific examples of medical museums of different Balkan countries. It specifically discusses on aspects of the history of the seven medical collections of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (UoA), their past and present role in medical training, heritage and university life.
Keywords: Balkan medical museums, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, medical collections, history of medical museums, university museums, history of medicine
Correspondence address:
Anastasia DOXANAKI
Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of
Athens, University Campus, 157 84, Athens, Greece
Email: taniadoxanaki@gmail.com
Tel. 00306972838151