Hunter House Museum - a little gem near Glasgow [The Truth Write-off]
Written: Feb 15 '02 (Updated Feb 15 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A fascinating insight into 18th century
medicine and surgery.
Cons: Requires a journey from the centre of Glasgow.
The Bottom Line: This tiny museum is a must for anyone interested in the
history of medicine. The birth-place of William and John
Hunter now contains interactive exhibits, with local history as well.
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| amysmum's Full Review: Scotland |
The following is my contribution to the Truth Write-off
which is hosted by :
kuuleimomi (Russian Federation)
copernicus (Australia)
The idea of this write-off is to display the diversity
of Epinions members' countries of origin or residence, showing what an international community we are. My thanks to our hosts and supporters - a full list follows my review.
Background
William and John Hunter, born in a remote farm-house called
Long Calderwood, near what is now East Kilbride in central
Scotland, were medical pioneers of the 18th century. In
fact, William Hunter has been credited with the rise
of the "man-midwife" and thus the specialty of obstetrics,
while John Hunter is regarded as "the father of surgery".
The museum itself
This museum of medical innovation and local history is
housed in the birth-place of William and John Hunter,
a modest dwelling which has been extended for use as
a museum which was opened in February 1996
So, what is there to see?
Firstly, there is a display of the history of East Kilbride
which grew from a village to an urban conurbation as part
of postwar development. While this may not be the most
exciting part of the museum for visitors from afar, I
this ensures that the locals take a pride in their own
history.
Secondly, there is a room set aside as it would have been
in the 18th century during the brothers' childhood,
with useful information explaining what kind of life it
was, e.g. that the animals would have shared the house
with the humans. Must have smelt rather interesting!
Next there is the audiovisual presentation of the
Hunter's lives, and one of a dramatized account of
the last years of the brothers which is especially
noteworthy. I knew quite a bit about the Hunters before,
and I was impressed that there was so much information
presented in a lively way.
The emphasis in this museum is on interactive learning
and the exhibits for touching and using levers to alter
the display were excellent. Lots of gruesome items to
delight children, with touchable limbs and medical
instruments and the odd surprise. 18th century surgical
practice is graphically presented - no anaesthesia here.
There were also various computer programs to test skill
at diagnosing illnesses etc. Some of these required a
little time to work out - a nice challenge for my
father, a retired doctor.
And the best bit for my three-year-old was the soft play
area with a ball-pit, neatly tucked away in a corner
and providing amusement for child while Granny watched,
and Mummy got to do adult things.
The other aspect to the museum was the area for children
to do crafts and work relating to the exhibits - obviously
popular with the local schoolchildren judging by the
walls with creative work on them.
And last but not least, the cafe. Useful because you'll
want a drink after spending so long...
Who is this museum for?
The whole family will enjoy this little museum - it
probably helps if you have an interest in medical history
or the origins of East Kilbride, but there is nothing
dusty and dry here. What really made our visit special
was the staff - friendly and attentive, ready to answer
questions, and yet happy to withdraw after a while.
Where is it?
Hunter House Museum,
Maxwelton Road,
Calderwood,
East Kilbride,
G74 3LU.
Tel. : 01355-261261
Contributors to the write-off
Our hosts :
kuuleimomi (Russian Federation)
copernicus (Australia)
American supporters who helped gather international
contributors : ed_grover, megugrrrl, girlboxer5 and
TheUnknown285.
aaliyahgirluk (UK)
ALawston (England)
amysmum (Scotland)
beasmith (Scotland)
ben-david (New Zealand)
CarolaLind (Sweden)
cartman_2k (Norway)
cr01 (Wales)
cripper (Hong Kong)
Daniel_Rf (Portugal)
DavidMac (Canada)
Divine_Cheese (England)
elsa70 (Italy)
ezzuk (Denmark)
hadassahchana (Canada)
hvojr (U.S.A. representing Finland)
JAME23 (Canada)
LamboLucifer (Germany)
Macondo (Spain/England)
MagnumForce (Canada)
MariaEkaterina (Bulgaria/Korea)
mattygroves (England)
misstaegu (Korea)
monssfisch (England/Japan)
mridula (India)
nscanuck (Canada)
paulyoungotti (England)
Petra (Germany)
proxam (Scotland)
shadow8 (U.S.A. representing Hong Kong/China)
smile2k1 (England)
Hope you read this far - we are truly an international
community. Enjoy all the contributions!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
amysmum
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Member: Catriona Sinclair
Location: Bonny Scotland
Reviews written: 165
Trusted by: 88 members
About Me:
Autumn is on the way...time to curl up with a good book.
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