Bibliothèque interuniversitaire de médecine (BIUM) - Guest of Honour at the Paris International Antiquarian Book Fair 2010

Anne-Marie Coulon

An elegant venue, exquisite offers from the high-end of the rare book trade, nearly 200 rare book and print dealers from France and abroad – the Salon International du Livre Ancien et d’Estampe is one of the most prestigious events throughout the world. The Grand Palais with its excellent natural light presents almost ideal conditions for both exhibitors and visitors: wide alleys with rest areas, chamber music, various displays and a special exhibition, organized by the year’s guest library.

In March 2010 the Bibliothèque Interuniversitaire de Médicine (BIUM) will have the pleasure of presenting a selection of its most beautiful pieces, illustrating the history of Western medicine at the XXI. Paris International Antiquarian Book Fair. The beginnings of BIUM go hand in hand with the history of the School of Medicine, founded in the 13th century, and the oldest document from this institution conserved at the BIUM is dated 1395. The heritage collections of the library are among the three richest in the world, alongside the National Library of Medicine (USA) and the Wellcome Institute in London.

Anne-Marie Coulon has interviewed BIUM director Guy Cobolet. The interview was published in the SLAM Newsletter 37 (October 2009) and is presented here by permission of Anne-Marie Coulon. Thank you very much.