Please note: No photos of human remains are shared below out of respect for the people they originated from.

The Hunterian Museum, located at the Royal College of Surgeons of England in London, is one of the most significant medical museums in the world, showcasing a vast collection of anatomical specimens, surgical instruments, and other artefacts related to the history of medicine. You may be asking yourself how a museum dedicated to anatomy is linked in the loosest sense to herpetology. Well dear reader, the link is stronger than you may think. Most of the eminent herpetologists of the 20th century started out as physicians and human anatomists such as Malcolm Smith, Angus D’Bellairs and C.L. Smith to name a few. However, the Hunterian Museum is named after the eminent 18th-century Scottish surgeon and anatomist, John Hunter (1728–1793), whose pioneering work laid the foundation for modern surgical practices. I visited recently and thought I would share more about the museum’s history, collections, and contributions to science and medicine (with a sprinkling of herpetology).

To begin with, we should probably discuss the man that the museum is names after. John Hunter was a ground-breaking figure in the field of surgery and anatomy during his lifetime. He was known for his meticulous dissections and experiments, which led to significant advancements in various fields of medical science. His approach was innovative for the time, emphasising observation, experimentation, and the scientific method in medicine. Hunter collected a vast array of specimens during his lifetime, many of which were acquired through his surgical practice and dissections of human and animal bodies. It is this collection that is on display at the Hunterian Museum. Hunter’s collection was initially housed in his home in London, where he used it as a resource for teaching students and furthering his own research. Upon his death in 1793, the collection passed into the hands of the government, which recognised its value for medical education and research.

The Hunterian Museum was officially established in 1799 when Hunter’s collection was purchased by the British government and entrusted to the Company of Surgeons, which later became the Royal College of Surgeons of England. The collection was initially displayed in a specially constructed building within the premises of the Royal College of Surgeons in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London. Over the years, the museum grew in size and scope, expanding its collections and becoming a central resource for the study of anatomy and surgery. The Hunterian Museum has undergone several significant changes since its inception. The original museum building was severely damaged during the blitz in World War II, leading to the loss of many irreplaceable specimens and artefacts (the allies are also to blame for such losses in Germany too). The museum was rebuilt in the post-war period, with a renewed focus on preserving the remaining collections and expanding its educational role. The museum reopened in 1963 and has since continued to evolve, incorporating modern displays and interactive exhibits to engage both the medical community and the public.

The Hunterian Museum’s collections are renowned for their breadth and depth, particularly in the areas of anatomy and pathology. The museum houses over 3,500 anatomical and pathological specimens, many of which were collected by John Hunter himself, despite looking like they were prepared yesterday. These include human and animal skeletons, organs, and tissues preserved in a variety of ways, including wet specimens in jars, dry preparations, and wax models. The specimens on display cover a wide range of medical conditions and abnormalities, providing invaluable insights into the history of medicine and the development of surgical techniques. Some of the most notable specimens include a series of comparative anatomy displays, illustrating the differences and similarities between the anatomy of humans and other animals, and a collection of pathological specimens showing various diseases and injuries to various parts of the body.

As you can probably imagine, the museum also houses an extensive collection of historical surgical instruments and medical equipment, showcasing the evolution of surgical practice over the centuries. This includes early surgical tools used in trepanation, amputation, and other procedures, as well as more modern instruments that reflect the advancements in surgical technology. If you have ever visited the Wellcome Collection, then you will be familiar with some of these tools. The collection also includes medical equipment used in the 18th and 19th centuries, such as bloodletting devices, obstetric instruments, and early forms of anaesthesia apparatus. These artefacts not only highlight the progress in medical science but also provide a glimpse into the challenges faced by surgeons in the past. The natural history collections include various animal specimens, fossils, and botanical samples, reflecting Hunter’s broad interest in the natural sciences.

The Hunterian Museum in London is a unique and invaluable institution, with a rich history and a remarkable collection of anatomical specimens, surgical instruments, and other artefacts related to the history of medicine. Its contributions to medical research, education, and public engagement are significant, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of medicine and the development of surgical practices. Through its collections and programs, the Hunterian Museum continues to honour the legacy of John Hunter, inspiring new generations of medical professionals and fostering a deeper understanding of the science and history of medicine. As the museum evolves and adapts to the needs of contemporary audiences, it remains a vital link between the past, present, and future of medical science. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the history of science or biology, as long as you’ve got a strong enough stomach.

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