the first who had resorted to this method in teaching anatomy, he has more than the honor of invention by carrying the plan very completely into effect. Others had used it in one or two instances; Wistar applied it to every difficult piece of anatomical structure, and in his Museum of Models he has bequeathed a rich treasure to his successors in the Anatomical chair. No one could fail to become an anatomist who diligently attended his lectures.”
The preparations made to illustrate the several portions of the body, including injections of the several organs, corroded specimens and wet preparations constituted the anatomical museum of Dr. Wistar, which, upon his decease, was presented to the University by his relict.[1] It was for years styled the Wistar Museum; but, vastly augmented as it became by the indefatigable exertions of Dr. Horner, and further enriched by the skill and industry of the present Professor of Anatomy, Dr. Leidy, as well as by other contributors, it may safely be regarded as unsurpassed in this country as a collection for teaching purposes.[2]
Dr. Wistar published a work on Anatomy in 1811;[3] and there is no doubt, from the description therein given, “of his having first observed and described the posterior portion of the Ethmoid Bone in its most perfect state, viz., with the triangular bones attached to it.” Of this discovery the distinguished anatomist Von Soemmering, of Munich, wrote thus to Dr. Wistar, Jan. 17, 1819: “The neat specimens of Ossa Sphe-noideum and Ethnoideum are invaluable additions to my Anatomical Collection, having never seen them myself in so
- ↑ On the reception of this gift the following resolution was passed: “That the Anatomical Museum presented to the Trustees for the use of the Medical School by the family of the late Professor of Anatomy, Dr. Caspar Wistar, be styled the Wistar Museum.”
- ↑ The Museum at present contains, in addition to what has been stated, a large collection of materials for illustrating the Chair of Practice, procured by Dr. Wood in Europe, when first assuming its duties, and subsequently augmented by him; also the Materia Medica collection, and the materials pertaining to all the demonstrative branches. There are also in it some curious wax models by Dr. Chovet, donated by the Pennsylvania Hospital. Dr. Chovet was a French physician, who taught Anatomy to private classes as early as 1775.
- ↑ System of Anatomy.
