Cape Medical Museum

Description

The Cape Medical Museum in Cape Town gives a historical account of the medical world since the early 19th century. The museum exhibits relics from the early days of pioneering modern medicine, including a fully kitted out Victorian dentist's surgery, though to modern day medical endeavours. The museum is housed in the New Somerset hospital in Green Point which is over 100 years old.

Traditional Medicine

The traditional section of the Cape Medical Museum exhibits traditional medicines used by the Xhosa tribes and their “Sangomas”, as well as plants used by early hunter-gatherers of the Cape. To this day, many of the roots, plants and animal parts on display are still being used by the Sangomas in Traditional Medicine.

Modern South African Medicine

The Medical Museum has an exhibit dedicated to Christiaan Barnard who conducted the world’s first heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital, down the road form the museum. There are also exhibits relating to the AIDS epidemic in Africa and South Africa.

Victorian Dentist's Surgery

This museum has an early 20th century Dentist’s office complete with a dental chair with a foot-driven dental drill and other even more freighting dental instruments.

Operating Theatre

The museum has a historically accurate operation theatre, with chloroform and stainless steel hack saws which were used during amputations.

Dispensary

The dispensary room is filled with hundreds of tiny potion-filled bottles which date back to the beginning of the 20th century.