This new events series takes a single object and tells its fascinating stories. Join Radio 4’s Quentin Cooper and a guest speaker for the unveiling of a ‘mystery object’. Learn more about the history of health and medicine from the personal perspectives of patients, doctors, innovators and historians.

• 

  Brain wars

  25 March. From neurosurgery to neuro-terrorism, over the past century the human brain has been a battlefield over which rival theories, treatments and beliefs have fought relentless campaigns for supremacy. Join Ken Hollings and Quentin Cooper to explore these ideas, with the aid of a mystery object.

• 

  Healing monarchs

  22 February 2012. For centuries, popular belief held that a skin condition known as the King's Evil could be cured by a touch from the monarch. Join Dr Helen Bynum and Quentin Cooper to explore the history of this phenomenon, and how its practice fitted with scientific thought during the same period. As ever, they will be joined by a mystery object.

• 

  Magic manuscripts

  25 January 2012. What was the relationship between faith and magic in Medieval Europe? Join Dr Sophie Page and Quentin Cooper to find out, with the aid of a mystery object.

• 

  Body parts and pickled bits

  28 Sept. The story of anatomy museums, dissection and specimens. Listen to a recording of this event.

• 

  Caught in the act

  20 July. Dr Lesley Hall discusses the Contagious Diseases Act and its single-gendered attempt to control sexually transmitted infections. Listen to a recording of this event.

• 

  Lister's legacy

  15 June. The fight against hospital-acquired infection. Listen to a recording of this event.