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

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.

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.