Anatomical model of the spine

Anatomical model of the spine, papier mâché, in two parts, labelled, by Dr. Auzoux, French, 1901.

Made from papier mâché, this anatomical model shows the internal structure of the human spine, including the spinal cord which, with the brain, makes up the central nervous system. The model was made by the factory of Louis Thomas Jérôme Auzoux (1797-1880), a French physician and model maker who developed a large business producing anatomical models. The spine was probably used when teaching students anatomy. Models can be used to emphasise and enlarge minute anatomical structures, making them easier to understand, and unlike human tissue they do not need to be preserved.