The collection of a pioneering surgeon
Hunterian Museum
The Royal College of Surgeons in Lincoln's Inn Fields is home to an extraordinary museum inspired by the life and work of the surgeon John Hunter (1728-1793).
The crystal gallery
John Hunter used scientific research to develop innovative approaches to surgery. During his researches and teaching he built up a large collection of preserved specimens. Much of the collection was destroyed by a bomb in the Second World War, but what remains is impressive and brilliantly displayed in the museum's crystal gallery.
Here you can see a sparkling array of preserved specimens showing details of human anatomy, animal anatomy and human pathology.
The science of surgery
The upper gallery traces the story of surgery from its earliest and agonising days through to the less instrusive, modern techniques illustrated by videos and interactive displays.
One of the exhibits is the pump and phenol spray which Lister used for a while to try to kill germs in the air during operations. This was at a time when many surgeons did not believe in the germ theory of disease.
Silver and steel
The silver and steel gallery exhibits examples of the instruments used by surgeons over the years. This shows how material science has enhanced the fearsome armoury that surgeons have to hand.
Submitted by: Andrew Hunt, 18 January 2007
