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)
Wooden model of Aké
A Chinese boy with a partially-formed parasitic twin protruding from his stomach (or sternum), Aké was examined by Philadelphia physician John Kearsley Mitchell in 1821. Mitchell published his findings in a medical journal, and Aké became somewhat of a medical celebrity at the time. Models of Aké, whether they were wood or ceramic, were used at other medical schools around the world to teach about parasitic twins. A British surgeon studied him from Hong Kong, models were sent to London’s Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons, and at least two models came to Boston – one went to the Boston Society for Medical Improvement and the other was acquired by John Collins Warren.
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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