Harry Potter's World - an NLM Exhibit

In the first Harry Potter book Harry references La Metallique Transformation (1618) by Nicholas Flamel -- a real book owned by the National Library of Medicine! That realization sparked the development of a traveling NLM exhibit called Do Mandrakes Really Scream? Magic and Medicine in Harry Potter, which opened in 2007.

"The magic in J. K. Rowling’s series of Harry Potter novels is partially based on Renaissance traditions that played an important role in the development of Western science, including alchemy, astrology, and natural philosophy." The current exhibit, "Harry Potter's World: Renaissance, Science, Magic, and Medicine explores the intersection of these worlds, featuring highlights from the collections of the History of Medicine Division at the National Library of Medicine." Much of the exhibit can be enjoyed online.

Happy birthday, Harry! Born on July 31 (same date as creator J.K.Rowling), 1980.

Websites Referenced
https://infocus.nlm.nih.gov/2016/07/31/harry-potter-magic-myth-and-happy-birthday/
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/harrypottersworld/