The University of South Alabama Biomedical Library and the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center are hosting the National Library of Medicine traveling exhibit “Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature” at the Exploreum through June 21, 2009.

The exhibit uses Mary Shelley’s early nineteenth century novel Frankenstein as a springboard to discuss early attempts at restoring life to the dead or nearly dead, the frightening effect medical science sometimes has had on the public and ethical issues surrounding new and developing medical technology.

The exhibit features artifacts from nineteenth century medical procedures and experiments, including early efforts at blood transfusion and experiments involving “animal electricity.” It also includes artifacts related to ways people deal with their fear of medical science and discuss whether those fears have lessened over time.

The exhibit also relates the ethical issues raised in Frankenstein’s title character’s attempts to create life to current medical ethical issues such as cloning, xenografting and the Human Genome Project.

On May 13th and June 12th, the USA Health System will hold its Med School Café community lectures at the Exploreum. Lectures will loosely relate to the exhibit and explore the science of medicine and how research impacts medical care.

The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is located in downtown Mobile at 65 Government Street. Admission to the Frankenstein exhibit is free.