Erasmus Darwin House. Pic: Herbaltablet
Erasmus Darwin House. Pic: Herbaltablet

The influence Erasmus Darwin had on 18th century poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge will be examined at a talk in Lichfield.

The event is part of a 2009 programme at Erasmus Darwin House looking at the historic links with many celebrated figures.

Neil Vickers, a lecturer at King College, London, will give the talk on May 5.

The talk will examine Darwin’s medical influence on Coleridge – an area which is often neglected.

Coleridge was a voracious reader of medical literature. Like many men of his era he took charge of his own treatment, but in managing his own health turned to Darwin’s medical writings.

Mr Vickers will examine Coleridge’s fall from health and how he tried to cure himself by following Darwin’s theories, notably his liberal use of opium.

The talk takes place at Erasmus Darwin House on May 5 at 7pm. Tickets cost £5. For more information or to book tickets call 01543  306260.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.