Ivory and horn model of an eye, in ivory case, possibly 19th century

This model can be unscrewed from its base to show the different parts of the eye, including the cornea (the clear outer covering of the eyeball), the pupil and the iris. Glass represents the jelly-like vitreous humour that fills the eyeball behind the lens. Veins have also been painted on to the eyeball to give it a life-like appearance. The eye is completed with a pair of eye lids.

This model may have been used to help teach students about the anatomy of the eye. The case allowed the model to be transported easily.