The Science and Art of Medicine

 

On Display

Wax anatomical figure of a reclining female, c 1771-1780.

This model of a female lying on a velvet cloth is inside a glass display case. The figure is made from bees-wax and hair and the front can be removed to reveal the internal organs, some of which can themselves be removed. The model was probably manuf

 
Two wooden anatomical figures, 17th century.

This is a figure of a man lying on a bed with a pillow under his head. The figure is made of wood and the front can be removed to reveal the internal organs.

 
Humerus of an adult human, and broken foot bones, Egyptian, 4000 BC- AD 200.

The humerus is the upper arm bone, between the elbow and the shoulder. This example is from the left arm of an adult and shows a healed unreduced fracture. It was excavated in Tell Fara, Egypt and is thought to originate from the Roman period, 100 BC

 
Brockedon's metal pill die with three boxes of pills, 1843.
 
Hypodermic syringe, English, 1860-1880.

Rynd's hypodermic syringe, steel with ivory handle, in maroon leatherette case, by Weiss, London.

 
Combined alembic and cucurbit, probably 19th century.

Pale green glass alembic with cucurbit, probably English, 19th century

 
Moxa caps, Japanese, 1980-1985.

A packet of moxa caps, designed to be placed on the heads of acupuncture needles. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs are burnt in the cap, and the heat from the burning herbs travels through the acupuncture needle into the body.

 
Statue of Dhanvantari, Hindu god of medicine, USA, 2005.

A painted plaster statue of Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine. Dhanvantari is said to have revealed the secrets of Ayurveda, and here he is shown carrying the elixir of life in a white container. Today, Ayurvedic doctors and their patients belon

 
Enema syringe with cloth carrying bag, Indian, 2005.

An enema syringe with a cloth carrying bag, purchased from India in 2005. An enema (vasthi) introduces fluid into the lower bowel via the anus. A single Ayurvedic treatment might involve several enemas using oils mixed with different medicinal herbs

 
Copper bowl used in Ayurvedic Shirodhara therapy, Indian, c 2005.

A copper bowl with chains for suspension, known as a dhara chatti. It is used in Ayurvedic shirodhara therapy, where warm oil from a suspended pot is slowly poured onto the forehead. Usually prescribed for illnesses affecting the head, it is increas