As part of the eleventh edition of the PhotoSaintGermain photography festival, the Museum of the History of Medicine is hosting Phenomena. The Unexplained in the face of Science. This exhibition represents the first chapter of a multiple-part event entirely dedicated to the visual history of parapsychology. The images gathered for the occasion are either unknown, unpublished, or long overlooked ; and offer to reread the history of science and medicine from the 1890 to the present day, concentrating on the fascination scientists held for paranormal phenomena. Each of the selected photographs immortalizes the rare moment during which representatives of the scientific community were confronted with paranormal events in the midst of their experiments. Visitors are invited to explore the margins of scientific knowledge in images, throughout a journey composed of seven thematic sections concentrating on: radiesthésie and the art of dowsers, photography of the aura and other human radiation; and postergeists manifestation. Several contemporary works also come to dialogue with these amazing archives. Enriched with images, odd objects, as well as works from the collections of the library of the School of Medicine (BIU Santé Médecine, Université Paris Cité), Phenomena offers an unexpected look at the paranormal field.
With contemporary works by Dora Tishmann and Marc Cohen, and a participative performance (production of aura photographs) by Dorothée Baumann on Saturday, November 12 (registration required).
With the support of
Until January 28th, 2023
Located in the premises of the former Faculty of Medicine of Paris, the Museum of the History of Medicine presents some of the oldest collections in Europe. They were assembled by Dean Lafaye in the 18th century, and then completed by an important collection of items covering the different branches of the art of surgery until the end of the 19th century. The Museum of the History of Medicine has found its place among the many museums in Paris and is also internationally renowned.