Ivory and horn model of an eye, Europe, 1601-1700

Ivory and horn model of an eye, possibly 17th century

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Ivory and horn model of an eye, possibly 17th century
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Ivory and horn model of an eye, Europe, 1601-1700

The model unscrews to show the different parts of the eye, including the cornea (part of the outer coating of the eyeball), the pupil, the iris (the coloured part of the eye), the jelly-like vitreous humour that fills most of the eyeball, and the optic nerve that transmits messages to the brain.

The eye is complete with eye lids and this model was almost certainly used to help teach the anatomy and workings of the eye.

Details

Category:
Anatomy & Pathology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A645154
Materials:
ivory, glass and horn
Measurements:
overall: 38 mm x 38 mm x 45 mm, 0.0496 kg
type:
eye