Gavin Francis’ new book Shapeshifters: On Medicine and Human Change showcases examples of human metamorphosis. During his talk at the Hay Festival, Francis described research into how hair turns white from shock. Does this actually happen? Sort of, Francis revealed, though it was more a case that the darker strands of hair tend to fall out, leaving lighter hair behind.
During his time on stage, the Scottish GP explored many aspects of the human capacity for physical and mental change: from werewolves and giant men, to puberty and bodybuilding, Francis discussed it all in a captivating detail.
As a working doctor in his Edinburgh practice, Francis speaks to patients on a personal level so he had an intimate understanding of the topic, but he said he also enjoys the research aspect, suggesting that he was probably the only person to ever have read three different biographies of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Francis’ fascination with the human body and its capacity for change was clearly infectious, as the audience reacted to the talk with gasps, laughter and finally, applause.
If you missed this you may enjoy event The Secret Language of Anatomy, as part of the Cambridge Series, Tuesday 29 May, at 4pm.