Highlights From the Warren Anatomical Museum
The collections inside this museum hold intriguing objects that tell the story of 19th century American medicine
- By Brian Wolly
- Smithsonian.com, January 01, 2010
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(Warren Anatomical Museum)
Demonstration and surgery kit, 1868
Richard Hodges was an anatomist with the Harvard Medical School when he was given this 40-piece surgery kit as a gift in 1868. Hodges was best known for his preparations and his stint as a visiting surgeon at the Massachusetts General Hospital from 1863-1886. This gift came to Hodges at a crucial turning point in medicine, as Louis Pasteur’s germ theories became more accepted and sterilization of surgical tools widespread. Hodges could never use this kit, then, because the ivory handles would not have held up to the antiseptic techniques used at the time.
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Comments (7)
I think the most important/interesting piece at the museum is the skull of Phineus Gage and the tamping rod that was blow through it.
Posted by Shawn Winter on December 3,2012 | 05:22 PM
This 1862 anatomical preparation of six muscles radiating from the second cervical vertebra was indicative of how medicine was taught at the time, and is a classic example of the types of objects found at the Warren today.
Posted by Patricia on February 4,2010 | 03:15 PM
Very interesting. But I'm stuck:
What is the "anatomical preparation" in the first photo?
Posted by Beth Lynch on January 28,2010 | 09:56 PM
A couple decades back I arranged a tour for some friends, art teachers, and librarians. The museum was tiny even then but fascinating as was the curator, a former art major. Warren's skeleton was kept in a cabinet, but a few brooms had found their way there as well. Anyway, one of the guys FAINTED! That was the best. Good to know I maybe able to visit again.
Posted by Virginia Kropas on January 12,2010 | 09:43 PM
A simple google search would've answered your questions:
Warren Anatomical Museum
10 Shattuck St.
Boston, MA 02115
Exhibition Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM,
except Harvard University Holidays.
Phone: 617.432.6196 • Fax: 617.432.4737
Posted by Mark on January 12,2010 | 02:54 PM
Yes, indeed, I also wonder in what city the museum is located. Boston or Cambridge? Washington D.C.? La Paz, Bolivia? (;-)
Posted by D W SCOTT on January 10,2010 | 05:18 PM
ARTYICLE WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF MUSEUM ADDRESS AND HOURS OPEN TO PUBLIC ACCOMPANIED IT SO ONE COULD DO THEIR OWN FOLLOW-UP
Posted by GARY MININSOHN on January 7,2010 | 02:02 PM