The Origins of Oncology in Canada: Montréal’s Institut du Radium
Mosaic of five black-and-white images. In the center, there is an imposing building made of gray stone. In the top left corner, there is an arrangement of glass vials and tubes. In the bottom left corner, there are nine men in suits photographed standing on a staircase. In the top right corner, a patient is having their bandage changed by a nun. In the bottom right corner, there is a hospital room with medical equipment arranged around a bed.

The Origins of Oncology in Canada: Montréal’s Institut du Radium

Atelier d'histoire Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve 2024

In 1922, the announcement of the creation of Montréal’s Institut du Radium was a momentous occasion that was met with much hope. This university research centre — the first of its kind in Quebec — was meant to thrust the province into the great march of Western scientific progress, and above all, enable it to be on the cutting edge in the fight against cancer. And yet, a number of events prevented this vision from being realized. This new exhibition invites you on a journey to uncover the complex inner workings and the diverse cast of characters that shaped the institute’s history.


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