Evelyn Tables
Reproduction
Object numberRCSHM/Z 35
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionCollege Museum
CategoryDry preparations
Object nameVeins, anatomical tables, Mounted dry tissue
TitleEvelyn Tables
DescriptionAnatomical table No. 4, showing the distribution of veins of the human body, dissected and laid onto a wooden board.
One of a set of four tables prepared for John Evelyn in Padua in 1646. The tables were prepared by Giovanni Leoni d'Este, who was dissector to the Professor of Anatomy, Johann Vesling. Three of the tables were apparently made by Leoni for his own use, but were sold to Evelyn when Leoni departed for Poland. The fourth was made by Leoni at Evelyn's request.
Evelyn gave the tables to the Royal Society in 1667. They were later given to the British Museum, from where they were purchased by the College in 1809. The Evelyn Tables are thought to be the oldest anatomical preparations in Europe. A similar set of six tables, brought back from Italy by John Finch, is in the collection of the Royal College of Physicians in London.
Production date 1645 - 1646
Preparator
Owner/user
Owner/user
Owner/user
Owner/user
purchased
British Museum (1809)
Related objectsRCSHM/Z 32RCSHM/Z 32 Part 1RCSHM/Z 32 Part 2
Physical Location
Location
Not on public display: contact museum for access conditions
Physical Information
Physical descriptionDried human tissue adhering to a flat wooden board made of planed pine planks butted and glued together. The board and tissue have been treated with several layers of varnish made from animal and plant materials. Dimensions of frame: 1890mm h x 771mm w x 105mm d.
Four anatomical [...] / of blood vessels and nerves, prepared by Fabricius B...s at Padua / See the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of / London, 4th Vol, XXIII / p 1177. "Evelyn's divers schemes of Arteries / and Veins" by William Cowper. 1702-3 / See also Grew's Rarities of Gresham College / Folio 1681 page 4
Dimensions
Frame height: 1890 mm
Frame width: 771 mm
Frame depth: 105 mm
Frame width: 771 mm
Frame depth: 105 mm
