Reproduction
Object numberRCSPC/02066
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionPathology
CategoryDry preparations
Object nameThorax, skeletal deformities, acquired, Mounted dry bone
Wellcome numberS 11.3
DescriptionThe bones of the thorax of an elderly woman, possibly deformed by tight-lacing of clothing, from the late 19th century.
This specimen was presented by Sir Erasmus Wilson in 1884, but without any clinical information other than that the patient was an 'old woman'. The distortion of the lower ribs and the diminution of the lower aperture of the thorax was attributed to the constriction of corset-stays (see Samuel George Shattock in 1909-19). Tight-laced corsets were commonly worn by women in the 19th century.
presented
Physical Location
Location
Not on public display: contact museum for access conditions
Bibliography
SourceShattock 1909-1919
Vol. 28
TranscriptAcquired Deformities: Constriction of Thorax
4829.1/O.C. 1785B. The thorax of an old woman much deformed by tight-lacing. The lower ribs are very oblique, and form a right angle with their cartilages, which are nearly approximated along the middle line between the ensiform cartilage. The lower aperture of the thorax is much diminished. These changes evidently resulted from the constriction of the lower ribs by stays. The upper portion of the dorsal region of the spine is unusually curved forwards, and the spines of the dorsal vertebrae from the fourth to the tenth inclusive are exceedingly ill-developed, being represented by elongated narrow processes of bone which closely overlap each other. Pres. by Sir Erasmus Wilson, 1884.
