Wax injected human left hand

Made:
1831-1870 in Europe

Preserved human left hand, mid 19th century

Wax has been injected into the arteries, veins and muscles to preserve the internal structure of the hand. This technique was perfected by Frederik Ruysch (1638-1731), a Dutch anatomist. The wax injection highlights the blood vessels that otherwise would be difficult to distinguish.

Anatomical preparations such as this one were useful in an age when there was a lack of bodies available for dissecting. This arm may have been used as a teaching aid for medical students.

Details

Category:
Anatomy & Pathology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A600029
Materials:
bone, wax, paint and human remains
Measurements:
overall: 77 mm x 230 mm x 156 mm, 0.108 kg
type:
human remains and hand
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust