Historical anatomy models were a marriage of art and science. From about the 13th to the 19th centuries, exquisite wax models were the state of the art. Florence's La Specola anatomical wax museum houses the works of master artists, such as Ercole Lelli, Anna Morandi, and Clemente Susini. The later years of wax models tended towards the grotesque: moulage and depictions of pathological conditions and physical anomalies. Due to the labor required and delicacy of wax models, papier-mâché became the favored production method in the 19th century, partly due to the ability to dissect the models. Over time, models became more stylized to protect the delicate sensibilities of the public. Today, models are again shocking the public with extreme realism.
posted by madamjujujive on Aug 30, 2006 - 18 comments

Henry the Hand - bet you didn't know that Handwashing Awareness Week is right around the corner - Dec. 8 - 14. Let Henry the Hand teach you how to prevent your hands from turning into dreaded Germ Weapons. Henry travels far and wide to spread his message, but you can download the theme song and order reinforcement tools right from home! brought to you as a public service message
posted by madamjujujive on Dec 5, 2002 - 13 comments