On our side: The National Museum of the Former Naval School of Medicine

History

The former Rochefort School of Naval Medicine was founded in 1722. The school’s objective is to train surgeons on board warships, because yes, surgeons were involved in exploratory journeys. 

But then before 1722 it happened how the care on board the ships? 

 You might as well know right away, it was better to be healthy on the ships, because before the surgeons got on board, the barbers were the ones who took care of it. So you’re gonna tell me, is it normal for surgeons to appear on ships after barbers? Obviously their choice was made: to be sick: yes, to be badly shaved then never.. 

Well, I’m away for a while, I have to get my hair done.

And what about now? 

As you can imagine, the former Naval Medicine School became the Rochefort Naval Medicine Museum in 1998. 

Inside you will find the instruments that were used to teach and practice the eighteenth century naval medicine. 

Are you ready for this? 

I would like to ask the question because one of the three floors of the museum is reserved for the display of flasks or human tissues, skeletons and even fetuses are kept in formalin. 

For further information, please contact:

http://www.musee-marine.fr/rochefort