Anatomy theatre as museum

Another space of medical teaching and practice which incrementally transformed itself into a museum of natural history was the anatomy theatre. The process in which this took place is not difficult to divine from this engraving of the anatomy theatre of Leiden University. Most plentiful amongst the displays are naturally human sceletons, not only of fully grown men and women but also of children. Some carry flags or spades (as if to dig their own graves), one rides a horse, and others are accompanied by animal sceletons, including a cow and several dogs. Two taxidermy specimens dominate the scene. From the walls hang further specimens: the huge jawbone of a whale, trophy heads of deer, and a coiled snake. From the ceiling dangle more strange creatures: the obligatory crocodile, an anteater, and a sawfish. Several large stuffed birds and a few small sea creatures can also be seen, while numerous glass cases display smaller items. Another panel displays a collection of anatomical instruments. Although no dissection is currently being undertaken, the theatre has attracted a number of visitors: in the left and right foreground, a well-dressed lady and gentleman are being conducted through the collection by expert guides while two other visitors wander unaccompanied.

Credits: Howard Hotson (February 2019)