Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/782
Scientific nameAphrodita aculeata
CollectionHunterian
CategoryWet preparations
Object nameGastrointestinal tract, intestines, Organs of Digestion - Liver and Similar Parts, Mounted wet tissue
DescriptionThe digestive tract and caecum of a sea mouse.
Hunter prepared this specimen to show what he believed to be the primitive 'liver' of the sea-mouse, which he compared with the liver in higher animals.
Production date Estimated 1760 - Estimated 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Related objectsRCSHC/465RCSHC/595RCSHC/986RCSHC/987RCSHC/783
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 4: The Long Gallery
Physical Information
Physical descriptionWet preparation of tissue mounted in a cuboid perspex container.
Materialperspex
Aphrodite aculeata
Dimensions
whole height: 250 mm
whole width: 166 mm
whole depth: 59 mm
whole weight: 2850 g
whole width: 166 mm
whole depth: 59 mm
whole weight: 2850 g
Bibliography
SourceDobson 1970-71
Transcript782: The alimentary canal and intestinal caecal appendages of a Sea-mouse (Aphrodite aculeata). The intestine is laid open, showing the orifices of the caeca, into some of which bristles have been placed. A note in Owen's catalogue reads: 'This preparation is called by Mr. Hunter, in the original manuscript catalogue, "No. 429. Intestinal canal and liver of the Sea-mouse", evidently regarding the caecal appendages as representing that viscus. Thus, after exhibiting the salivary glands under the form of elongated caecums in the Holothuria, and the pancreas under the same form in the osseous fishes, he lastly shows us the complicated liver of the higher classes also commencing in the animal series by separate and simple follicles.'
