Early 19th c.Medical Teaching Device- Shadowboxed Wax Fetus Models c.1800-1850

ABOUT Two early 19th century British wax models of fetuses with attached placenta. Used as a medical teaching device. Numbered and attached to a velvet background. In a sealed wooden box with early glass front window. Shown with life size hand model. CREATOR Unknown, United Kingdom. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1800-1850. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Wax, Glass, Velvet. CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Break in the umbilical cord on the left. DIMENSIONS H 12.75 in. W 18.25 in. D 4.25 in. HISTORY Medical educators rely on models to depict anatomical structures in a more efficient format than the cadaver; to move away from the clutter, discomfort, and complexity of a cadaveric dissection; and to clarify characteristics or functions of an anatomical structure that are not readily apparent in situ.