Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/P 260
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionHunterian
CategoryWet preparations
Object nameEsophagus, rabies, Cases of Hydrophobia, Mounted wet tissue
DescriptionThe oesophagus of a patient who died with symptoms of hydrophobia.
There is a slight thickening of the surface of the oesophagus. The patient was recorded as suffering hydrophobia (commonly a symptom of rabies) but was not recorded as having suffered a bite from a rabid animal. This preparation may be from the case of Francis Stanier who died in 1787.
Production date Estimated 1771
Preparator
Owner/user
Surgeon/clinician
Patient/subject
Surgeon/clinician
presented
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)
Dimensions
whole height: 180 mm
whole width: 74 mm
whole depth: 44 mm
whole weight: 618 g
whole width: 74 mm
whole depth: 44 mm
whole weight: 618 g
Bibliography
SourceProger 1966-1972
Vol. 1, page 178.
NotesText taken from Stanley & Paget (1846-9), and Paget (1882-5).
TranscriptThe oesophagus of a man who died with symptoms of hydrophobia. The epithelium appears rather thicker than is usual; a portion of it is removed to show the smoothness of the subjacent mucous membrane.
SourceRussell 1788
256-266
NotesRussell describes the case of Francis Stanier, from Castle Street, Piccadilly, in London, who died with the symptoms of hydrophobia in November 1787. Russell called John Hunter and Everard Home to assist with treatment, and to carry out the post-mortem examination. This preparation may have come from this case, but if not it stands as a description of a similar instance of hydrophobia not obviously arising from an animal bite.
SourceClift 1830 Part 1
NotesCatalogue number 786
TranscriptThe oesophagus of a man who died with symptoms of hydrophobia. [The cuticular lining of the oesophagus has a cracked and parched appearance, particularly towards the lower part of the preparation. A transverse portion of the cuticle has been removed in order to show by comparison the smoothness of the surface of the inner or mucous membrane of the canal.]
