Reproduction
Object numberRCSPC/04017
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionPathology
CategoryWet preparations
Object nameFetus, cyclopia, Mounted wet tissue
Wellcome numberT 20d.1
DescriptionA male fetus of about the seventh month with nearly complete fusion of the eyes and a frontal proboscis.
The right external ear and the right thumb are also malformed. According to Richard Owen this preparation was one of those belonging to Hans Sloane (1660-1753). Sloane's collections formed the basis for the newly-founded British Museum in 1753 and his anatomical preparations were subsequently sold to the Royal College of Surgeons in 1809.
In Sloane's manuscript catalogue of his collection of 'Humana' this specimens is described as 'A monstrous child wh. its 2 eyes growing together in the place of its nose & one nostril like a proboscis over them. It was born at full time in Mr Gibbs's parish and lived three days & then dyed'.
Surgeon/clinician
Owner/user
purchased
British Museum (1809)
Physical Location
Location
Not on public display: contact museum for access conditions
Physical Information
Physical descriptionWet
Materialglass (material)
Bibliography
SourceHunter 1861
Vol. 1, page 248 n.2
NotesIn a footnote to Hunter's paper on monsters Richard Owen states that this preparation was from Sir Hans Sloane's collection.
