








Model of human eye, 1870, by Dr. Auzoux, French
Within this plaster model, each layer of the human eye can be revealed. The top plaster layer represents the sclera; at the front of the eye this becomes the cornea. The second layer, made from glass, shows the iris, pupil and surrounding area. The glass bulb represents the lens. The vitreous humour is behind the lens. The optic nerve is shown at the back of the model.
It was made by the factory of French physician Louis Thomas Jérôme Auzoux (1797-1880), and was probably used to demonstrate the anatomy of the eye to medical students. Seeing body parts on a larger scale, rather than life size, makes the structure easier to understand. There are small numbers placed on different parts of the eye, suggesting that there was once a key to help in learning the names and shapes of the various parts.
On display
Science Museum: Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries
If you are visiting to see this object, please contact us in advance to make sure that it will be on display.
Look closer
Model of human eyeDetails
- Category:
- Anatomy & Pathology
- Object Number:
- A600027
- Materials:
- complete, glass, metal (unknown), paint, paper (fibre product) and plaster
- type:
- eye
- taxonomy:
-
- animal remains
- organ - animal material
- furnishing and equipment
- tools & equipment
- medical demonstration equipment
- credit:
- Loan, Wellcome Trust
Cite this page
Rights
We encourage the use and reuse of our collection data.
Data in the title, made, maker and details fields are released under Creative Commons Zero
Descriptions and all other text content are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence
Download
Download catalogue entry as json
View manifest in IIIF viewer
Add to Animal Crossing Art Generator
Download manifest IIIF
Our records are constantly being enhanced and improved, but please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information shown on this website.