Men's health history: seahorses to Viagra

Men's health since 1700 is the theme of the latest display at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB).

It's part of the RPSGB's museum's Developing Treatments series and explores interesting men's health treatments, dating back as far as the 1700s, for conditions such as erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer. The display cabinet includes past treatments for hair loss including powdered bees and bears' grease, alongside cantharides beetles and rhinoceros horn for impotence. Recent public health campaigns to persuade men to consult health professionals, including pharmacists, are also featured.

Briony Hudson, Keeper of the Museum Collections, said 'Our men's health display puts current issues in context, alongside some fascinating and bizarre remedies from the past. It's not often that you see seahorses and Viagra on the same shelf, but both have a part to play in telling the story of developing treatments for men.'

The free display, on show until February 2009, is located in the RPSGB's reception area in London SE1, and is open to all visitors Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The display also looks at past and present treatments for women and children. 

For further information about the Museum, call 020 7572 2210 or visit www.rpsgb.org/museum.