The development of Balkan Medical Museums and their contribution to the history of medicine: Examining the role of medical collections of the national and Kapodistrian University of Athens

摘要

The tradition of collecting medical items in the Balkan countries is relatively a new one and it is closely con- nected with the origins of Balkan medical museums. During the turbulent period of the 19thc. in Balkan history, museums and medicine were viewed as essen- tial 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 medi- cal museums of different Balkan countries. It specifi- cally 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.