Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/915
Scientific nameAmphiuma means
CollectionHunterian
CategoryWet preparations
Object nameThorax, Heart, Circulating System, Mounted wet tissue
DescriptionThe anterior end of the body of a two-toed amphiuma dissected to show the heart with its principle veins and arteries.
This specimen, together with those from the siren and the hellbender salamander, were used by John Hunter to demonstrate his idea that animals might be classed according to the structure of their hearts. Although Hunter was generally sceptical of the idea of classification based on single features, he argued that such schemes were useful in placing newly described species in progressive series, starting with the most simple and ascending to the most complex. Hunter noted that the siren represented a transitional form between the fish - which have two cavities in the heart - and amphibians (which have three cavities).
Hunter first acquired specimens of the siren, hellbender and amphiuma when he purchased the collection of a Mr Lake, who had lived in South Carolina for several years. Hunter purchased Lake's entire collection in about 1758. It is not known whether this specimen was one of those purchased in 1758 or was added subsequently. In his notes Hunter referred to this species in his notes under the name 'the Ounkishee', which is probably a transcription of its native (Cherokee) name.
Production date Estimated 1760 - Estimated 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Related objectsRCSSC/HDB/2/1/138A/1
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 4: The Long Gallery
Physical Information
Physical descriptionWet preparation of tissue mounted in a circular glass jar with glass lid.
Materialglass (material)
Amphiuma means
Dimensions
whole height: 231 mm
whole diameter: 85 mm
whole weight: 1352 g
whole diameter: 85 mm
whole weight: 1352 g
Bibliography
SourceDobson 1970-71
Transcript915: The anterior part of the body of an Amphiuma (Amphiuma means), prepared to show the heart and great vessels in situ. In this preparation may be seen the large vena cava inferior passing behind the ventricIe to the sinus venosus; the fimbriated auricles lying mainly to the left of the ventricle; the conus arteriosus springing from the anterior extremity of the ventricle and at its forward end enlarging to form the truncus from which spring the arterial arches. These arches are shown on the left side. Dorsal to the pharynx, the wall of which has been partly cut away, may be seen the single vessel formed by the union of the dorsal ends of the arterial arches of the right side passing obliquely backwards towards the vertebral column to unite with its fellow to form the aorta. On the left side of the preparation the internal branchial apertures are preserved; and on the right side the branchial arches have been exposed. The lungs are laid open so as to display their reticulate structure.
SourceHunter 1861
389-393
NotesHunter's notes record his observation on the anatomy of the 'Ounkishee', or amphiuma, of South Carolina. Like the Siren and Menopoma (hellbender salamander) Hunter regarded the amphiuma as a transitional form between animals such as fish with two-chambered hearts, and amphibians or reptiles with three chambers.
