Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience

Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy and Pathology

Anatomy and Pathology Collection

 
The Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy and Pathology collection consists of approximately 10,000 objects.  The main bulk of the collection consists of dissected human remains (organs, systems or regions). There are some specimens still held in their original glass containers, dating back to the time of Sir Harry Brookes Allen (June 1854 – March 1926).
 
Most of the museum is arranged according to anatomical regions of the human body, with corresponding pathologies.  Approximately 20% of the collection is on display at any one time. The subjects of the displays are related to the medical curricula.

 

There is also a large collection of historical models, including plaster constructions, papier mache and wax anatomical models.  These wax, plaster and papier-mâché models were imported from Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries and show remarkable detailed workmanship.  Wax moulages displaying various dermatological conditions compose another significant part of the collection. 
 
A further collection holds articles displaying histological images.
 

 

 
   
Papier-mâché
eye model with removable parts, 1890-1900.
 
Tramond hand with wax overlay showing flexor and extensor tendons, flexor and extensor retinacula, nerves, vessels and intrinsic muscles.
 
Medical wax moulage, early 1900s

Historical Models

These wax, papier-mâché and plaster anatomical models were collected during the 19th century.  Cadavers were not as readily available for the anatomy students to learn during this time, so the use of anatomical models became popular. 

 

Historical models held in the collection include the following:
  • Wax anatomical models by Tramond (Paris), late 1800s & early 1900s
  • Papier-mâché models by the company of Louis Auzoux (1797-1880, Paris), late 1800s & early 1900s  
  • Plaster anatomical models by Franz-Josef Steger (Leipzig), early 1900s   
  • Wax dermatology moulages (Europe), created in the early 1900s  

 

 

 
   
Steger plaster model of the head, 1920s


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