Exploring the 11th EAMHMS workshop dedicated to preserving anatomical collections through cutting-edge science and conservation techniques.
Imagine a dusty university attic, filled with forgotten relics of science past. A skeleton with a slightly crooked spine stands next to a beautifully painted, but crumbling, papier-mâché model of a human heart. For centuries, these anatomical collections were the primary tools for teaching medicine. Today, they are more than just historical artifacts; they are unique biological libraries. But how do we preserve these fragile time capsules for future generations? This was the central mission of the 11th workshop of the European Association of Museums of the History of Medical Sciences (EAMHMS), held in the historic city of Tartu, Estonia, in July 2013.
This gathering of conservators, historians, and scientists wasn't just about dusting off old displays. It was a dynamic forum dedicated to giving "New Life to Old Skeletons and Papier-Mâché Models" through cutting-edge science, meticulous craftsmanship, and a deep respect for our scientific heritage.
Event: 11th EAMHMS Workshop
Theme: New Life to Old Skeletons and Papier-Mâché Models
Date: July 4–6, 2013
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Why go to such lengths to preserve objects that have been replaced by digital scans and plastic models? The answer lies in the irreplaceable data they hold.
Old skeletons are a direct record of past populations. They can tell us about nutrition, disease, occupational stresses, and even societal structures. A spine showing signs of heavy labor tells a human story that a textbook cannot.
The 19th and early 20th centuries saw a golden age of anatomical modeling, particularly with papier-mâché. French firms like Dr. Louis Auzoux created incredibly detailed, dissectable models that were both scientifically accurate and works of art.
By studying historic specimens, we can track changes in human anatomy and health over time, providing crucial context for modern medical issues.
To understand the delicate work involved, let's follow a hypothetical but representative experiment based on the workshop's themes, focused on restoring a classic Auzoux-style papier-mâché model of a human trachea and larynx.
The restoration of a complex anatomical model is a forensic science. The team in our case study followed a meticulous process:
Every crack, flake of paint, and sign of insect damage was photographed and mapped under different light sources (UV, raking light).
Tiny, almost invisible samples were taken from damaged areas for analysis.
Using techniques like X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify pigments, binders, and other materials.
Surface cleaning, stabilization of weak areas, and careful in-painting using historically accurate materials.
The analysis revealed a treasure trove of information. The XRF data showed the use of historically accurate pigments like vermilion (mercury sulfide) for arteries and lead white for highlights. The FTIR analysis confirmed the use of a collagen-based animal glue, typical of 19th-century manufacturing.
The most significant finding was the identification of the original sealing varnish, which had degraded and yellowed, obscuring the vibrant colors beneath. Understanding its chemical composition was key to safely removing it without harming the original paint, a process that brilliantly restored the model's intended educational clarity.
| Color on Model | Identified Pigment | Historical Context |
|---|---|---|
| Vivid Red | Vermilion (Mercury Sulfide) | Traditionally used for arteries; highly toxic but brilliantly colored. |
| Deep Blue | Prussian Blue (Iron Hexacyanoferrate) | A synthetic pigment first available in the 18th century, common in Auzoux models. |
| White Highlights | Lead White (Basic Lead Carbonate) | The primary white pigment used by artists for centuries until the 20th century. |
| Yellow | Chrome Yellow (Lead Chromate) | Dates the model to post-early 19th century when this pigment was developed. |
| Component | Condition | Proposed Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Papier-mâché core | Stable, minor warping | Humidification and gentle weighting to flatten. |
| Paint Layer (Red) | Severely flaking in areas | Consolidation with a fine mist of gelatin solution. |
| Paint Layer (Blue) | Stable, slightly faded | No intervention required beyond surface cleaning. |
| Assembly Joints | Weak, separating | Injection of a reversible cellulose-based adhesive. |
| Measurement | Before Treatment | After Treatment | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightness (L* value) | 45.2 | 68.7 | +23.5 |
| Color Saturation (Chroma) | 32.1 | 58.9 | +26.8 |
| Visual Clarity (Subjective) | Poor, muddy | Excellent, vibrant | Dramatic Improvement |
The work done in Tartu relies on a fascinating blend of traditional art conservation and modern analytical chemistry.
An ultra-thin, strong paper used for hinging cracks and stabilizing fragile layers without adding bulk.
A reversible, non-toxic adhesive used for paper and textile elements. Its reversibility is a core principle of conservation.
A handheld device that can non-invasively identify the elemental composition of pigments and metals.
Identifies organic materials (varnishes, binders, adhesives) by measuring how they absorb infrared light.
Used in a gel form to slowly and safely solubilize and remove degraded surface varnishes without penetrating the original paint.
Precision tools for applying adhesives, removing debris, and performing in-painting on a millimeter scale.
"The 11th EAMHMS workshop in Tartu was more than a technical meeting; it was a powerful reminder that the history of medicine is tangible."
By applying the tools of modern science to the craftsmanship of the past, conservators are not just fixing broken objects. They are reactivating them as sources of knowledge, beauty, and inspiration. Each preserved skeleton and each restored papier-mâché model is a bridge, allowing us to understand the long and arduous journey of medical discovery and ensuring that these silent teachers can continue their lessons for centuries to come .
The work showcased at the 11th EAMHMS workshop demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, historians, and conservators can breathe new life into historical anatomical collections, ensuring they remain valuable educational resources for future generations.