Abstract Details

Title Teaching Neuroanatomy in the 19th Century: Dr Auzoux’s Papier-mâché Anatomical Models

Topic History of Neurology

Presentation(s) S12 - History of Neurology (11:39 AM-11:51 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 003

Background Dr Louis Thomas Jérôme Auzoux (1797–1880) was a French physician who specialized in the design, industrial production and sales of detachable anatomical models using his own innovative technique of papier mâché. His catalogue included a wide variety of human, animal, and botanical models. Our university’s collections include a few examples of these models, including a human brain.

Objective To review and describe the anatomical models related to the brain and nervous system produced in the “Ateliers de l’anatomie clastique” (clastic anatomy workshops) founded by Dr Auzoux at Saint-Aubin-D'Ecrosville (Normandy, France) in 1828

Design/Methods Nonsystematic database (PubMed, Google Scholar, JSTOR, Internet Archive, Gallica) search, antique postcards database search and screening of online newspapers archives (RetroNews®, Newspapers.com®), with the search terms (English & French) Dr Auzoux, papier mâché, clastic anatomy (search period: 1797-1880)

Results Auzoux's anatomy models were made of several solid parts that could be removed one by one, mimicking the dissection process: “a brain is constructed, in which, by means of numerous sections and the super-position of different parts, are shown all the details of its structure as well as the origin of the nerves in the whole extent of the cerebro-spinal axis” (“Catalogue of preparations of artificial anatomy”, 1841). Auzoux’s models of human neuroanatomy included brains (of different sizes) and the spinal marrow. Its comparative anatomy catalogue (1844) included the brain and the spinal marrow of several animals (rat, cat, goose, viper, tortoise, carp, molusca) and the nervous system of others (spider, crab, articulata & radiata).

Conclusions During the 19th century, Dr Auzoux’s brain anatomical models were used to teach neuroanatomy in different contexts, for both students (universities, schools) and the general public.

Authors/Disclosures
Manon Auffret, PhD, PharmD (Behavior & Basal Ganglia - CHU Rennes/ Universite de Rennes 1) PRESENTER	Dr. Auffret has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of France Développement Electronique. The institution of Dr. Auffret has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Britannia. Dr. Auffret has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Aguettant. Dr. Auffret has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Britannia. Dr. Auffret has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Britannia. Dr. Auffret has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Aguettant. The institution of Dr. Auffret has received research support from Association France Parkinson. The institution of Dr. Auffret has received research support from Homeperf. The institution of Dr. Auffret has received research support from LVL. The institution of Dr. Auffret has received research support from University of Rennes. The institution of Dr. Auffret has received research support from Aguettant. The institution of Dr. Auffret has received research support from Linde. The institution of Dr. Auffret has received research support from Plateforme Nationale pour la recherche sur la fin de vie. Dr. Auffret has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Auffret has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.