| Popis: |
The position and impact of anatomy have changed significantly over the centuries. Once a "scientific empire" and a foundation stone of medicine, it declined to a marginal and unattractive discipline. On the other hand, the ways to teach anatomy have become more sophisticated than ever. Over the centuries, classical dissection of a cadaver evolved to "virtual dissection" and computational anatomy. Despite these significant changes, the constant of anatomy teaching remained the transmission of three-dimensional concepts. In the past, the way to do that were the anatomical wax models. They were introduced as a didactic tool in late seventeenth century and remained in use until the end of the nineteenth century. Although their historical and artistic value was subject of much research, they were not analysed for their anatomical value, as a reflection of the anatomical knowledge and concepts of their time. We will here present our analysis of 867 models on display in one of most famous anatomical wax model collections - the Josephinum Wax Models Museum. |
