Touching the past – a story about historical reconstructions

From 8 to 10 March 2024, the University of Wrocław, the Medical University, and the Museum of Pharmacy will jointly host a conference under the theme “Historical Reconstruction: Touching the Past”. One of the many fascinating elements will be workshops dedicated to the historical reconstruction of medieval medicines. The central aim of the event is to create a platform for the exchange of experience among researchers from various fields who use reconstruction methods as research tools.

A particularly exciting event will be the lecture by one of the invited guests, Professor Lawrence Principe, taking place already on 7 March (see poster for details).

The conference also serves as a summary of a research project funded by the National Science Centre (NCN), led by Dr Jakub Węglorz – Assistant Professor at the Department of Polish and General History of the 16th–18th Centuries, Institute of History, University of Wrocław. His academic interests focus on medical practices and pharmaceuticals in early modern Poland, as well as the intellectual and cultural history of the period.

The recently concluded project, “Reconstruction and Analysis of Medicinal Preparations Identified in Early Modern Polish Ego-Documents (16th–18th Centuries)”, was carried out by an interdisciplinary team of historians and pharmacists from academic centres in Wrocław and Poznań. The team conducted historical and laboratory research to reconstruct medicines once used in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and analyse their active compounds and basic biological activity.

The conference workshops have been specifically designed for researchers interested in the reconstruction of historical crafts, science, and art. Scholars will share insights, experiences, and perspectives. Experts in history, medicine, chemistry, archaeology, anthropology, art history, and sociology will come together to present their innovative approaches to various subjects — not only the reconstruction of medicines but also topics like historical sweets or measuring instruments.

Historical reconstructions make it possible to connect disciplines and explore periods and subjects from multiple perspectives. The event plays a vital role in building mutual understanding between scholars from different fields.

What will researchers explore at the March conference in Wrocław?
They’ll discuss not only ancient painkillers, early “sports” creams, or massage oils recreated from Greek and Roman medical recipes but also topics such as the reconstruction of a Byzantine deodorant. Alchemy will also take the spotlight — explored from scientific, societal, and symbolic perspectives, including the idea of “dreams of gold”.

The sweeter side of historical reconstruction also promises to be engaging. Can medieval sweets be recreated? One researcher will present “Challenges of Historical Gingerbread Moulds from Silesia”. Others will speak about historical art and craft, including the mystery of a Viking Age tapestry and timeless timekeeping instruments.

Don’t miss the lecture by Professor Lawrence Principe (Johns Hopkins University, Departments of History of Science and Technology, and Chemistry): “Alchemy and the Scientific Revolution” (in English)
Thursday, 7 March at 14:00, Room 218, Institute of History, University of Wrocław

Prof. Principe will also conduct a seminar on Friday at 12:00 in the same room, titled: “Medieval Alchemy, Philology, and Experimental Reproduction: Recovering John of Rupescissa’s Liber lucis magisterii magni”

Prepared by: Katarzyna Górowicz-Maćkiewicz