Anatomical model of an eye, Italy, 1601-1700

Made:
1601-1700 in Italy
Ivory horn and glass model of an eye which comes apart to show

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Ivory horn and glass model of an eye which comes apart to show
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Ivory, horn and glass model of an eye which comes apart to show various components, in wooden (rosewood?) case, unsigned, 1601-1700

This ivory and glass model of the eye unscrews to show the different parts, including the cornea (part of the outer coating of the eyeball), the pupil, the iris, the jelly-like vitreous humour that fills most of the eyeball, and the optic nerve that transmits messages to the brain. The muscles are indicated using painted red paper and the eye is complete with eye lids.

The model has its own case, possibly made of rosewood, and there is a rose carved into the bottom. 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:
A645156
Materials:
rosewood, glass, ivory, horn, paper (fibre product) and complete
Measurements:
overall: 60 mm 40 mm, 0.0343 kg
type:
eye