MUSEUM BLOG
Explore our blog to learn about pieces from Canada’s largest collection of medical artifacts, discover the lesser-known history of health care, or hear about all of the exciting developments at the Canadian Museum of Health Care.
The Story of John Williams the Oculist and his career in quackery
This was the advertisement in Kingston’s Chronicle and Gazette, which ran on October 20th, 1841, heralding the arrival of Mr. Williams. His visit to Kingston came near the end of his illustrious career in quackery, preceded by nearly forty years of travelling in Europe and the United States, treating patients and selling his so-called miracle cure for blindness.
Savannah’s Story
However, as many lessons as I have learned, I have enjoyed this process for what it was. I was blown away by the interest, contributions, and support of the community towards this project, and my heart was warmed by the willingness of people to help wherever they could. It has truly been incredible to watch the amalgamation of two such impactful aspects of my life to create, what I believe to be, such an important project.
The Museum Doors Open for Doors Open Kingston 2021
This Doors Open event features two types of tours - outdoor walking tour and a special inside tour peeking at the galleries and the collections rooms! All tours are FREE to the public.
The Story of Joseph Lister and his Carbolic Acid Sprayer
Lister took this knowledge and combined it with the observation that carbolic acid was already being safely used to clean sewers and dress wounds, and in 1865 he created a new, aseptic method of surgery using carbolic acid to sanitize the operating room.
The Story of Dr. Mahlon Locke and his Arthritis Treatment
A graduate of the Queen’s College of Medicine, Dr. Locke opened his practice in Williamsburg, Ontario in 1908. After successfully treating a blacksmith for severe arthritis, his reputation began to spread. By 1932, he was treating around 2000 patients every day!