New Exhibition Dedicated to Harry Potter and His Link to Medicine

This Fall, the NIH’s National Library of Medicine History of Medicine Division, in Bethesda MD, will dedicate a small exhibition to Harry Potter’s herbs.

Many of the plants and medicines described in J. K. Rowling’s book will be on display, as they are also some of the most unique, centuries-old herbal treasures the library contains.

Some of the herbs and plants on exhibit will be the mandrake, said to have the roots shaped like a human and to emit a haunting scream once plucked.

Another is the ginger root, said to have given Harry his “sharp wit.”

The exhibit opens September 7th, with a free screening of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," in the Lister Hill Auditorium, NIH Building 38A, at 6 p.m. and will run Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until November 30, 2007.

For tips on how to design and plant a Harry Potter garden of your own, click here.