Reproduction
Object numberRCSPC/02037
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionPathology
CategoryDry preparations
Object nameSkull, osteomalacia, Hydrocephalus, Mounted dry bone
Wellcome numberS 57.5
DescriptionSkull of a 25-year old man showing enormous asymmetrical enlargement due to hydrocephalus associated with osteomalacia.
Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within cavities inside the brain. This can cause enlargement of the skull in young children while the bones of the skull are still growing. Today hydrocephalus is usually treated by insertion of a shunt or tube to drain fluid from the brain into another part of the body such as the abdomen.
This specimen was part of the collection of the surgeon Robert Liston (1794-1847). The remainder of the skeleton was also preserved in the museum but was destroyed in 1941. An engraving of the skeleton and skull was included as Plate III in Robert Liston's 'Elements of Surgery' (2nd Ed., 1840).
Owner/user
presented
Physical Location
Location
Not on public display: contact museum for access conditions
Physical Information
Physical descriptionDry
Materialperspex
Bibliography
NotesThis biography of Knox contains an account of the acquisition of this skeleton, however it was written several decades after the events and its reliability is highly questionable
