Description
In contrast to an older generation of wax models of fauna anatomy, those produced by Louis Thomas Jérôme Auzoux (1797–1880) enabled a systematic disassembly and reconstruction of the modelled object. Using a new, secret recipe for a tough, durable type of papier-mache, Auzoux produced a wide variety of anatomical, zoological, and botanical didactic models. Intended for university training, the enhanced colouring of the Auzoux models facilitated the identification of anatomy, and an elaborated labelling system accompanied each model. Depending on the example, the identifiable and removable parts could be extensive. For example, the ‘Complete Clastic Human’ model produced by Auzoux in 1858 contained 92 removable pieces on which there were over 2000 labeled details. To enhance the ‘dissection’ experience, a spatula was used to unhinge the clastic pieces of the model in a fashion similar to the surgeon’s scalpel on the dissection table.

This particular model enabled the medical student to carefully study the complex anatomy of the human hand, enlarged to about twice natural size to facilitate close study as the model is taken apart and rebuilt. An Auzoux sales catalogue from the late 19th century explains that the model shows “muscles, tendons and tendinous sheaths disposed so as to show the action of the interosseus and lumbrical muscles indicated by Dr. Duchenne, of Boulogne; the arteries, veins, nerves, corpuscles of Pacini, and a portion of the skin with its various layers.”
05/11/2013
Created by: Allison Ksiazkiewicz on 05/11/2013