Sometimes gross but fascinating…

One of the blogs on the Melnick Medical Museum’s “blogroll” is Morbid Anatomy. The blog is written by Joanna Ebenstein. For more than two years she has used it to explore the intersection of anatomy and art.  As a photographer and graphic designer, Ebenstein has an eye for visually interesting images. She is interested in a wide range of formats including anatomical models and specimens, medical illustrations, and other visual media like post cards, slides, and broadsides. Her photographic exhibit called Anatomical Theatre took her around the world to capture stunning photographs from medical collections. Even though her project is complete, she continues to scour the Internet, blogs, and medical museums for historical and unique anatomical images.  Her blog is covered with clear, crisp, images of the things she has found. Through this art work, readers can learn new things about the history of medicine, disease, and cultures. Once you start looking, your curiosity gets the best of you and you can’t take your eyes away!

Ebenstein is also active in the art and medical museum communities. Her blog contains many, many links to medical museums, collections, and related online exhibits, blogs, artists, and sources. These lists can be overwhelming, but they are a great resource for those who have time to browse them. She also writes about events in the medical art and medical museum communities like conferences and exhibits. I am amazed at how much is going on!

Dissection: Photographs of a Rite of Passage in American Medicine 1880–1930

Throughout medical history, the practice of dissection has been controversial. During some periods of history it was distasteful or even illegal. At other times it served as the cornerstone of anatomy classes. Public opinion and differences in religious beliefs often meant that some cultures accepted the practice while others did not. The Dittrick Medical History Center at Case Western Reserve University has just published a fascinating new book based their collection of dissection photographs. The book, Dissection: Photographs of a rite of passage in American medicine 1880-1930, discusses the role of dissection in medical school and a little bit about the history of the practice. These images are not for those with weak stomachs! Dissection in the late 1800s was a messy and unsanitary process. You can see the on-line exhibit here. In addition, the blog Morbid Anatomy has a recent post that includes photographs from the book and a press release.