Museum of Medical History Lecture Series

The black death, March 2023

The Black Death was a bubonic plague pandemic occurring in Western Eurasia and North Africa from 1340's to the 1350's. This plague could be considered one of the most fatal pandemics recorded in human history, peaking in Europe from throughout the 14th century. Presented by Dillon Carroll, PhD, explore the Black Death, the horrific disease epidemic of the 14th century that likely killed hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, and reshaped the world and the future of civilization.

Every Man His Own Physician, July 2022

The recent controversy of ivermectin and other alternative medicinal treatments for Covid-19, has raised questions about quack medicine in America. Is quack medicine and alternative medicine something new in American life? Presented by Dillon Carroll, PhD, this lecture will explore the long and deep history of alternative and quack medicine in American life. Specifically, Dr. Carroll will examine alternative medicine in the 19th century, exploring such topics as Thomsonianism, Homeopathy, Hydropathy, and other alternative medicine practices in 19th century America.

A History of Healthcare At Mare Island, February 2022

Explore the story of hospitals and doctors at the Navy’s first west coast ship yard. Presented by Thomas Snyder, MD.

The Psychological Strain of Soldiering, November 2021

The Civil War presented unique psychological impacts that can still provide valuable insights today. One example, the Government Hospital for the Insane admitted more than 3,000 white Union soldiers, but only 50 black Union soldiers. Did the higher stakes and personal affects for black soldiers make them more resilient to the psychological impact of battle? It is impossible to ignore that many asylums refused to admit black patients and that black soldiers had little reason to trust the medical community. Presented by Dillon Carroll, PhD.

Third World Medicine, July 2020

Presented by Scott Kellermann, MD, California Northstate University School of Medicine faculty and family physician sub-specializing in tropical medicine and global health. Dr. Kellermann shares his experiences in the sub-Saharan Africa providing medical care to the Batwa pygmies of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda.