Powdered earthworms and lots of white wine: that's the 17th century cure for piles on display, along with other science-related documents at Particles of the Past, an exhibition launched at the National Library today.
As part of the Dublin City of Science 2012, the exhibit brings together a set of unusual historical documents – carefully restored maps, a recipe for making ice cream in a bucket, a journal from the voyages of Captain Cook, among others – all tied together by the theme of science.
"Whether your interests lie in early medicine, photography, engineering, or you simply have an enquiring mind, Particles of the Past has something for everyone," says exhibition co-curator Riona McMorrow.
The exhibit also hopes to bring more attention to the crucial nature of the library’s document conservation department, which uses scientific techniques to analyze and preserve items from the past.
From using UV light to analyze pigments and fibres, to the chemistry used in conservation, the department works with the State Laboratory to make sure that manuscripts will be available for generations to come.
Aside from oddments of outdated cure-alls, visitors are also encouraged to learn how to take care of their own important documents.
“This exhibition is more than just telling us about our past,” said Minister for Arts Jimmy Deenihan.
Most people have old letters, deeds passed down through several generations. Bust most people also don’t know how to take carer of them, Mr Deenihan said.
Keep documents worth saving out of extremes cold, heat or humidity, and never use tape to put something back together – it may irreparably damage that cherished photograph, said Nikki Ralston, conservator.
“There are measures they can put in place themselves to try and protect their own family papers. So many of our collections are family collections,” she said.