This object comes from a collection of anatomical teaching models transferred from the Sydney Technical College in 1894. In 1878 the New South Wales State Government provided subsides to provide scientific, technical and professional training and in 1883 a Board of Technical Education was appointed which established the Sydney Technical College.

Made during between 1850 and 1900 these models are examples of early teaching aids available to Australian students of the practical sciences.

By the early 1800s medical and scientific teaching expanded and there was an increase in demand for anatomical models. Wax which had been used to make models was replaced by other materials which were less delicate and susceptible to changes in temperature. Modellers like Tramond and Auzoux found papier-mâché more robust and it enabled them to fashion models in sections which could be removed in layers as if a real dissection were taking place.

Louis Thomas Jérome Auzoux was a French medical graduate who around 1820 visited the workshop of Ameline who had introduced papier-mâché to the modelling process. Auzoux soon learnt the process and set up a workshop in his home town of Saint Aubin d'Ecrosville in 1827. His medical background enabled him to make highly accurate models while his experiments with papier-mâché resulted in the development of a variety of finishes which incorporated plaster, fabric and glass. The other aspect of Auzoux's success was his application of moulding techniques which allowed him to re-produce his models.

A common feature of many of Auzoux's models is the use of paint on a thin plaster layer which covered the papier-mâché. Studio artists were employed to add the finishing touches using egg tempura which gave a shiny gloss to the finished work. Iron supports were included to reinforce the delicate areas of some models and metal was sometimes used to connect separate parts. This process continued to be favoured by other nineteenth century modellers such as F. Rammé of Hamburg in Germany.

References
New South Wales State Government Archives, http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/cguide/c4g/educ0016.htm, cited 17/11/2006.
Grob, B.W.J., 'The anatomical models of Louis Auzoux', in 'A descriptive catalogue', Colophon, Museum Boerhaave Communication 305, Leiden, Germany, 2004
Lemire, M, 'Representation of the human body: the colored wax anatomic models of the 18th and 19th centuries in the revival of medical instruction', Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, Volume 14, 1992
Scholtz, Gerhard (2005), Better than the real thing? Models - The Third Dimension of Science.
Acta Zoologica 86 (4), 303-305, doi: 10.1111/ j.1463-6395.2005.00193.x
Chen, Joseph C. T. M.D., Ph.D.; Amar, Arun P. M.D.; Levy, Michael L. M.D.; Apuzzo, Michael L. J. M.D., 'The Development of Anatomic Art and Sciences: The Ceroplastica Anatomic Models of La Specola', Neurosurgery. 45(4):883, October 1999

Geoff Barker, March, 2007

This anatomical model was made around 1900-1920.

This type of anatomical model would have been used for demonstrations to medical students and the medical profession.

Anatomical model, human kidney, liver and spleen, papier-mache / plaster / paint, maker unknown, 1900-1920

Anatomical model of the left and right kidney, liver and spleen made of plaster and papier-mache. The model is painted brown to indicate the kidneys, mottled red, purple and white for the spleen and bright red with white lines for the liver. Connecting these organs together are red and blue blood vessels and the aorta.

Made: 1850 - 1900


Used: Sydney Technical College; Ultimo, New South Wales; 1879 - 1894

Black printed text and numbers on small circular pieces of paper cover the model. There are also numbers in black and white ink painted directly onto the model on the side showing the exterior of the liver.

H3277

1850 - 1900

240 mm

220 mm