Cunning Folk and Necromancers: Magical Medicine in Early Modern History

Talks on Tuesdays is a live event series bringing big ideas, real experts, and curious minds together - at your favourite local venues. Think thought-provoking lectures, audience questions, and post-talk mingling over drinks and dinner.

This isn’t a uni lecture. It’s a social, intelligent night out.Come alone or with friends, leave with something to talk about.

Event Schedule:

6.30pm Arrival & Doors Open

7pm Lecuture Starts

7.45pm Q&A

8pm Talk Concludes

8.30pm Event Closes.

*Please arrive close to 6.30pm

A La Carte menu and full bar available throughout the night - pay as you go.

Your Topic:

From DNA to Disease: Understanding Immune Disorders

What do dead cats, urine, and crystal balls have in common? Well, hundreds of years ago, they all formed part of magical healing in Europe. From the period starting 1500 to 1800 (‘early modern’) medicine as we know it was a much broader set of ideas and practices. A big component of medicine was, in fact, magic-related; if you fell sick, you could visit your local wise woman, cunning folk (kind of like a good witch), or even an astrologer-doctor who would read your horoscope. Often called the forgotten side of the history of science and medicine, this talk will discuss key figures and practices from medicine’s magical past. Covering necromancy, alchemy, ‘witch-bottles’ and the philosopher’s stone, you’ll learn about the real history behind Harry Potter.

Your Speaker:

Emily is an immunologist whose career has taken her from Wales to Australia in pursuit of one big question: how do our genes shape the way our immune system protects us? She began her scientific journey at Cardiff University before moving to Australia in 2011 to expand her knowledge and experience. Since 2018, Emily has been a key member of the Allergy and Clinical Immunology laboratory at Monash University where she leads the Primary Immunodeficiency (PID) research group.

Beyond research, Emily is an advocate for the immunodeficiency community, helping lead the Jeffrey Modell Foundation Centre’s outreach and serving in senior leadership of the Australian patient organisation AusPIPS. She is passionate about improving awareness, support, and outcomes for people living with rare immune disorders.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Golden Gate Hotel, 238 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, Australia

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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