Although a fantasy story, the magic in the Harry Potter books is partially based on Renaissance traditions that played an important role in the development of Western science, including alchemy, astrology, and natural philosophy.

An exhibit exploring Harry Potter’s world and its roots in Renaissance magic, science, and medicine is currently on display on the third floor of the Hardin Library.    Developed by the National Library of Medicine of the  National Institutes of Health and using materials from the NLM, it will be on display through January 28.