Purdue 'Frankenstein' exhibit examines evolving biomedical ethics

The exhibit demonstrates how Mary Shelley's 1816 horror masterpiece foretold some of the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by scientists and physicians during the past two centuries of evolving biomedical knowledge and practice.

Excerpts from the book, contemporary critiques and cartoons are used to examine spiritual questions including the meaning of life, the need for companionship and the responsibility of a creator to what is created.

"Like much great literature, 'Frankenstein' forces the reader to confront and evaluate what it means to be human," said James L. Mullins, dean of libraries.

The display traces the development of medical technology beginning with early attempts to use bellows for resuscitation, funnels for blood transfusion and electricity for tissue animation. Those techniques are juxtaposed with modern practices such as cloning, DNA manipulation and stem cell research. The display highlights the need of scientists to act responsibly when they seek to transform the lives of individuals and society.

The colorful, towering display panels also are used to document the mythology of Frankenstein as subsequent authors, playwrights and filmmakers molded his character.

"We as librarians are constantly seeking new and better ways to help people obtain the information and knowledge they need to gain greater understanding of the most important issues of the ages," said Scott Mandernack, head of the Hicks Undergraduate Library. "A topic like this, presented in such a compelling manner, is bound to raise questions and provoke thought from a variety of perspectives."

"Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature" was developed by the National Library of Medicine in collaboration with the American Library Association. It has been made possible by major grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Washington, D.C., and the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Md.

Writer: Jim Schenke, (765) 494-6262, jschenke@purdue.edu

Sources: James Mullins, (765) 494-2900, jmullins@purdue.edu

Scott Mandernack, (765) 494- 6728, sbm@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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