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Dissection sets were made throughout the 19th century and could be found at the students' side (27-29) as well as in the hands of early pathologists (30-33).

Cadavers for dissection remained difficult to obtain and in fact families of the newly deceased often had to pay for protection from "resurrectionists", or grave robbers, who supplied medical schools and anatomists.

Anatomic Models

Italian craftsmen of the 18th century created some of the finest wax anatomic models ever made and many of those works can now can be found on display at the Museo di Zoologia, or "La Specola" of the University of Florence (34-40).

Louis Auzoux (1797-1880) was a French medical school graduate and was the preeminent maker of paper mache models during the 19th century, supplying medical schools in Europe, England, and the U.S. (41-45).

Artisans turned elsewhere in the 20th century when a growing population and economic pressures made anatomic study more available through mass production. The artistry of wax and paper mache figures was lost forever, though many still try to recreate these beautiful forms of the past. "Flap" anatomic models were very popular as deeper and deeper structures were displayed by turning the pages (46-50).

Embalming

Preservation after death dates back to Egyptian times and earlier. Embalmers have used countless concoctions and families of Civil War soldiers paid large sums of money to have their loved ones sent home in refrigerated caskets to be embalmed later. Instruments for this purpose have changed little (51,52).

27-29) Medical School Autopsy, Turn of the Century

First year medical school begins at the anatomy table. Note that the dissecting set at the bedside is similar to the Finnel's post mortem set by Tiemann. The cartouche is marked William Hotchkiss, Oct '69 and was likely used during his first year of training. Note the universal ebony handle.

30-33) Post mortem Set by John Weiss & Son, Late 19th century

Note the large "bowel" scissors in the right upper portion of the set by John Weiss & Son (31). The small nick in this instrument distinguishes this from a surgical set. Note headrest and the velvet lined case by Coxeter (31a), both unusual for sets of these instruments. The head clamp is by Codman & Shurtleff while the spine saw was made by Lartet A Turin.

34-40) Wax Models at Il Museo della Specola, Florence 18th century

wax anatomic models are now located in "the Specola" in Florence, Italy (and worth a visit!). These were some of the finest wax models ever made and represent a lost art now.

41-45) Paper Mache Anatomic Models by Auzoux

This life size female anatomic model was made in Paris in 1881 at the Auzoux factory. All the organs are labeled and removable. Note the resemblance to Venus de Milo! The engraving is from the 1858 text.

46-50) Anatomic models of the latter 19th century

These flap anatomic representations were popular Since they were easy to manufacture and transport. They usually were made of paper though Smith's American Manikin was metal.

51-52) Presentation Embalming Set and Embalming Pump

This embalming set is unusual in that it is gold plated, and probably was for presentation. There is no hallmark though likely was made in the early 20th century. The embalming pump is a cased set with multiple attachments. It is a British set that was manufactured by Laundy in Southwark in the early 19th century.

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28) Dissection Set

31) Post Mortem, Open

40) La Specola, Abdomen

42) Auzoux, Female

46) Smith's Manikin

51) Embalming Set