Corps et Médecine

Appel à contribution – The Study of Eugenics – Past, Present and Future

Uppsala University, Sweden 10 Nov 2011 – 11 Nov 2011
Deadline: 31 May 2011

The study of eugenics has been extensive in recent years and has yielded a detailed understanding of the origins, evolution and impact of eugenic beliefs and practices. This research has received much attention also outside of academic circles, not least because of the growing awareness of the widespread eugenic practices (like sterilization) in emerging welfare states like the Nordic countries. Here, historical scholarship has contributed to the ongoing reinterpretation of the « modern project ». Much light has been shed on the relationship between eugenics and genetics before 1945, but the continuing relationship between these areas up to the present has not received enough attention, even though eugenic themes have been present in discussions about « ethical » issues in connection with various biomedical practices. This conference aims to bring together scholars in a variety of disciplines – history, the social sciences and philosophy among them – in order to discuss what the study of eugenics has achieved so far and what lies ahead, in ongoing and future research, including the relatively under-developed study of post-war eugenics.
The conference is open to contributions from various fields of research that may treat specific eugenic topics as well as historiographical questions. Accepted contributions will be arranged in thematic sessions by the organizers. The conference will last for two days and will open with keynote lectures by Professor Paul Weindling (Oxford Brookes University) on The Historiography of the History of Eugenics, and Dr. Marius Turda (Oxford Brookes University) on Eugenics and Society – The Path for Future Research.
The conference is organized by Living History Forum, Stockholm, and the Department of History of Science and Ideas, Uppsala University. Living History Forum is a government organisation that has been set up in order to spread knowledge and encourage research about issues associated with crimes against humanity (foremost the Holocaust). The Department of History of Science and Ideas is a major centre in Sweden for research in the history of medicine, including eugenics and related areas.

The organizers will cover the costs for meals and accommodation, and reimburse some travel expenses for participants who present papers. The number of papers that can be accepted is limited. If you want only to listen and participate in discussions you are heartily welcome but must still apply. More details regarding practical arrangements including a preliminary program will be sent out in mid June.
The deadline for applying to the conference is May 31.
Applications should include information about academic or other affiliation and research area. Those wishing to present a paper should include an abstract of no more than 300 words. Please note that the conference language is English.

Applications and questions should be directed to:
Annelie Drakman,
annelie.drakman@idehist.uu.se<mailto:annelie.drakman@idehist.uu.se>

Atelier – Les archives du corps

What are the archives of the body? Can the body serve as an archive itself? What sources tell us the most about the body? This workshop, to be held at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge and sponsored by the Académie Nationale de Médecine, Paris, aims to bring together sholars to explore multiple types of evidence about human bodies in the medieval and early modern periods, in Europe, the New World and the Muslim and Jewish worlds. The sources examined might include: the archives of hospitals, universities and medical academies; civic, monastic, ecclesiastical and judicial records; iconographic sources, medical treatises and archaeological data.

An International Workshop to be held at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, 8–9 September 2011

What are the archives of the body? Can the body serve as an archive itself? What sources tell us the most about the body? This workshop, sponsored by the Académie Nationale de Médecine, Paris, aims to bring together historians, literary scholars, art historians and archaeologists to explore multiple types of evidence about human bodies in the medieval and early modern periods, in Europe, the New World and the Muslim and Jewish worlds.

The sources examined might include: the archives of hospitals, universities and medical academies; civic, monastic, ecclesiastical and judicial records; iconographic sources, medical treatises and archaeological data.

A keynote paper, ‘The Body in Pain and Tales of Election and Damnation during the French Wars of Religion’, will be presented by Dr Luc Racaut (School of Historical Studies, University of Newcastle).

Possible topics may include:

The holy body
Iconoclasm, corporal mortification
Medicine and diseased bodies
Anatomical knowledge and pathology
Gender, nudity and sexuality
Bodily difference and disability
The body as a commodity
Beauty and the ideal body
Senses, sensitivity and emotions
How to apply ?

Proposals for 20-minute papers are invited from

advanced scholars,
early career researchers and
doctoral students.
Paper abstracts no longer than 300 words, with a brief CV and full contact details, should be emailed to both

Dr Elma Brenner (ehob2@cam.ac.uk) and
Dr Elena Taddia (elena@earlymodernhistory.com)
by 31 May 2011.

The language of the workshop will be English.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their submission by 15 June 2011.

Comité scientifique :

Elma Brenner – Wellcome Trust Research Fellow, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge
Elena Taddia – Docteur ès Lettres ENS –Lyon, Trinity College Research Fellow, Dublin
Luc Racaut, School of Historical Studies, University of Newcastle
Laurence Camous, directrice de la Bibliothèque de l’Académie Nationale de Médecine, Paris
Jérôme Van Wjiland, conservateur de la Bibliothèque de l’Académie Nationale de Médecine, Paris