Tours of UB's "Brain Museum" and Other Eclectic Collections to be Held Oct. 24

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo will open to the public some of its most unique collections, including what's believed to be the nation's only museum dedicated exclusively to the human brain.

Collections of items such as medical books from the Middle Ages, Colonial-era dentures, tonics, potions and, of course, human brains will be on view from 4-7 p.m. on Oct. 24 in the following museums and collections on UB's South Campus:

-- The Museum of Neuroanatomy (AKA Brain Museum) -- Located in the Biomedical Education Building, the collection features stunning displays of the most complex and mysterious organ found in humans: brains. Built in 1994, the museum is an educational tool for everyone, from kindergartners to neurosurgery students.

-- The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Apothecary and Historical Collections -- This collection includes artifacts that date back to the 18th century. Highlights include cigarettes once used to cure asthma and hair-growing tonic from Lockport's famous Sutherland Sisters.

-- The Museum of Radiology and Medical Physics -- Located in the Abbott Hall (Health Sciences Library), this collection features several hundred items including World War II era portable X-ray unit and original gas X-ray tubes.

-- The Robert L. Brown History of the Health Sciences Collection -- Located in Abbott Hall, this collection includes rare books dating back to 1493 and more than 200 medical instruments from Roman times to the late 20th century.

-- The George W. Ferry Dental Museum (note: this collection will be open from 4-6 p.m.) -- Located in Squire Hall, this collection includes a replica of a dentist's office, circa 1900, a set of ivory-carved dentures from the 17th century and other dental artifacts.

In addition, UB will host a panel discussion from 6:45-7:45 p.m. in the Roswell Park Room in the Health Sciences Library about the importance of the history of medicine for medical humanities, changing trends in psychiatry and other topics. The discussion will feature faculty members from the UB Department of History: James Bono, PhD, associate professor; and Michael Rembis, PhD, and David Herzberg, PhD, assistant professors.

Visitors will not need a parking permit, and are advised to park in the Diefendorf lot, located off Sherman Road. Note: Sherman Road is off Bailey Avenue, near the Veterans Administration hospital. For maps of UB's South Campus and further instructions about parking, visit: http://www.buffalo.edu/buildings.

Visitors wishing to attend the discussion are encouraged to RSVP by contacting Linda Lohr (829-5737, lalohr@buffalo.edu) or Keith Mages (829-5737, kcmages@buffalo.edu) in the Robert L. Brown History of Health Sciences Collection.