Hunterian Museum
The Hunterian Museum is a museum of anatomical specimens in London, located in the prestigious building of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The museum is made up primarily of a collection from the 18th century Scottish surgeon John Hunter. Over the years it has since been subsequently supplemented by Odontological material curated by A. E. W. Miles and various natural history exhibits from Richard Owen. In May 2023, the Hunterian Museum reopened following a five-year redevelopment of the Royal College of Surgeons of England’s headquarters at Lincoln’s Inn Fields. The £4.6 million museum project features the exhibition of more than 2,000 anatomical specimens from Hunter’s original collection. In addition to these there are instruments, equipment, models, paintings, and archival materials that document the evolution of surgery from ancient eras to contemporary robot-assisted procedures. The Museum boasts the largest public display of human anatomy in England.
The Hunterian Museum is a museum of anatomical specimens in London, located in the prestigious building of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The museum is made up primarily of a collection from the 18th century Scottish surgeon John Hunter. Over the years it has since been subsequently supplemented by Odontological material curated by A. E. W. Miles and various natural history exhibits from Richard Owen. In May 2023, the Hunterian Museum reopened following a five-year redevelopment of the Royal College of Surgeons of England’s headquarters at Lincoln’s Inn Fields. The £4.6 million museum project features the exhibition of more than 2,000 anatomical specimens from Hunter’s original collection. In addition to these there are instruments, equipment, models, paintings, and archival materials that document the evolution of surgery from ancient eras to contemporary robot-assisted procedures. The Museum boasts the largest public display of human anatomy in England.
The Hunterian Museum is more than just a curious collection of questionable items in jars. It does a very good job of providing an overview of the life, times and aspirations of the surgeon John Hunter. Hunter was a keen advocate of the scientific method and of careful observation. He eventually set up his own anatomy school after serving as a Staff-Surgeon in the British Army. The museum has several very informative interactive displays that provide not only an insight into medical knowledge of the time but the “unorthodox” means in which specimens were procured. The museum does not shy away from the problematic ethical aspects of medicine from this era, such as “resurrection men” and the selling of organs. Furthermore, it readily acknowledges that a lot of items in the collections were obtain questionably. Which is why one of its most well known exhibits, the skeleton of the “Irish Giant” Charles Byrne, is no longer on display.
However, in the later rooms in the museum, there are displays focusing on modern medicine and the role that technology plays nowadays. These include the evolution of microscopes and MRI scanners which are depicted by several intricate models created by sculptor Eleanor Crook. They illustrate the complex procedures involved in open heart surgery and keyhole gallbladder removal. There is also a video display in which the nature of modern surgery are jointly discussed by both surgeon and patient. Hence, the Hunterian Museum is not exclusively based upon anatomical exhibits and instead provides a fascinating insight into the history of medicine and surgery in the UK. It is also worth noting that there is also a very good cafe available to visitors with an excellent selection of freshly made cakes. However, not everyone may be disposed towards such comestibles after their visit.
