Article
Historical note on the cover image: Auzoux models
Before books describing the anatomy of the human body were freely available, it was not easy for medical and dental students to study anatomy. The only practical ways to see inside the human body were to watch operations, post mortem examinations or dissections. Cadavers were difficult to get and quickly decayed through lack of refrigeration.
French medical student, Louis Auzoux, began experimenting with techniques used by Parisian doll and puppet makers to make flexible models. He experimented with papier-mâché, which was easily moulded and sturdy. Auzoux developed an improved secret papier-mâché mixture containing cork, clay, paper and glue, which allowed the models to harden into a solid, supple, light and durable object.
Auzoux founded a factory to produce models in his hometown, St Aubin d'Ecrosville, in Normandy. Sales of his models increased rapidly throughout the 1840s and his range of products increased to over 600, including zoological and botanical specimens.
The BDA displays an Auzoux model in the foyer at Wimpole Street. It stands just under 5ft tall and consists of over 25 dissectible parts. The detailed model includes over 2000 original anatomical name labels in French and the numbers refer to a full description in an accompanying catalogue that, unfortunately, has not survived. In this picture, comparison can be easily made between the sub-dermal structures and the bones of the skull showing some muscle insertions. This model helped students to understand muscle structure, blood vessels and nerves, and to recognize their contribution towards healthy teeth.