Anatomical Museums

Commercial anatomical museums were the "dark cousin" of dime museums. 
Some were legitimate but others were simply fronts for scam artists masquerading 
as physicians and even rogue doctors who prayed upon the public. 

The Freak Museum collection has over two hundred items relating to these 
interesting museums. These include catalogues, broadsides, handbills, photographs
and actual exhibits, some of which are shown on other pages of this blog. 
Below are some examples from the collection.





Photographic and Illustrated Exhibits

Some anatomical museums used medical photographs instead of actual displays. 
The following five items are hand colored photographs of medical wax preparations.
They measure 21" x 17", and are graphic.







Commercial museums displayed materials that were visually distressing. The goal was 
to lead the visitor to believe he was in danger of contracting, or had already contracted, 
some horrible condition. At the appropriate time, an attaché would approach offering 
a free and confidential consultation with the resident "Doctor".


Anatomical Dissection


This rare drawing depicts a medical school dissection.
Usually this right-of-passage were photographic, this 19th century charcoal
was done from a photograph, it measures 19"x22". After become a Doctor,
this probably hung in his office as a reminder of his student days.



The University of Edinburgh Anatomical Museum


Bedford Lemere & Co., 147 Strand, London, Photographers to The Queen
measures 19x17 inches


Medical Waxes


Two Headed Baby
Wax Moulage
unknown studio



Wax Moulage
Ichthyosis of arm
modeled by Joseph Towne, London



Wax Moulage
Anatomy of left arm
probably late 19th century


Anatomical Specimen




Note how the dissector retained the fingernails


Broadside




Anatomical Waxes
18 century



Pig Faced Woman
English, bees wax, 18th century



Edward Mordrake
English, bees wax and tallow, 18th century



Man with Supernumerary Head
English, bees wax and tallow, 18th century


Please come back, more to come as time permits.

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