Segmented teaching skull in a box, which consists of (a) a segmented human male's skull which is held together with brass hooks, screws, springs and wire; the top of the skull has been cut; the lower portion with the brows and upper teeth have been cut in half, lengthwise, and there are other small…
Segmented teaching skull in a box, which consists of (a) a segmented human male's skull which is held together with brass hooks, screws, springs and wire; the top of the skull has been cut; the lower portion with the brows and upper teeth have been cut in half, lengthwise, and there are other small segments cut at the front and sides of the skull; the lower jaw has been wired onto the skull; the skull fits into (b) a rectangular cardboard box with an open top and stapled sides; a rectangular cardboard lid (c) fits over top of the box; both the box and the lid have an attached paper label that has printed manufacturer's information.
Number Of Parts
3
Part Names
a - skull - Size: Length 16.3 cm. x Width 13.2 cm. x Depth 21.0 cm.
b - box - Size: Length 33.2 cm. x Width 18.1 cm. x Depth 16.4 cm.
c - box lid - Size: Length 34.2 cm. x Width 19.0 cm. x Depth 5.1 cm.
Provenance
Owned by Dr. Jean Johnson, D.O., who was an osteopath and homeopath who practiced in Cavendish Square, London.
(b,c) Paper labels attached to both the box and lid read, "W. H. BAILEY & SON, Ltd., // Manufacturers of Surgical Instruments, Hospital and Sick Nursing Appliances, &c., // 45, OXFORD STREET, LONDON, W."
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0007
0007-S1-2
Condition Remarks
Oct 2023: left cheekbone and left temporal bone have separated from skull in three pieces; five backmost teeth on upper right jaw are slightly loose; not suitable for handling or travel.
Oct 2022: box sides torn and still attached along one side; upper section of end panels torn and still attached; box in poor / brittle condition wiht edges flaking; skull has large section along left side lifted but still attached, and a very loose piece above left eye; tan packing tape around perimeter of box lid
June 5 1998; Sept. 29, 2003: (a) Good Condition: The skull itself is complete and shows surface dirt; the teeth show many cracks, some flaking of enamel -- especially from the lower right teeth and a chip missing from the upper front right tooth; (b) the box has a tear at the upper corner on one side, and shows some wear; (c) the box lid sides have been torn and were tape-repaired at some point; #2: removed from exhibit in same condition.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Document
Reference Comments
Letter from Dr. Mark Handley-Derry
Research Facts
Donor information: "With regards to "Samuel", he was given to me by Dr. Jean Johnson, an Osteopath and Homeopath who practiced in Cavendish Square, London. It was she who influenced my choice of career when I was at university. She gave it to me when she retired and returned to the States (she was American by birth). I do not know any further firm information about this skull. My understanding is that there are only a few like it in existence and that the others are in the Hunter's Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons and in the Department of Anatomy, either at Oxford or Cambridge University. Dr. Mark Handley-Derry"
Used as a teaching model for medical students
Exhibit History
Museum exhibit, "Portraying the Profession," August 2007. Bracken Library Exhibit "Boning Up on Anatomy"