Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/P 308
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionHunterian
CategoryWet preparations
Object namePenis, Urethral stricture, Cases of Urethral Stricture, Mounted wet tissue
DescriptionA penis, dissected to show the urethra and the annular stricture that had developed two inches from its external orifice.
The stricture is not broad and the urethra either side of it has its natural diameter. This stricture, which would have resulted in urine retention, frequently developed as a consequence of chronic infection of the urethra.
Described and figured in Hunter's Treatise on Venereal Disease (1786): see documentation. Drawing preserved: see related records.
Production date 1760 - 1786
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Related objectsRCSSC/HDB/4/2/394/3
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: 176 mm
whole diameter: 52 mm
whole weight: 484 g
whole diameter: 52 mm
whole weight: 484 g
Bibliography
SourceProger 1966-1972
Vol. 1, pages 219-20.
NotesText taken from Stanley & Paget (1846-9), and Paget (1882-5)
TranscriptPart of a penis, exhibiting a slight annular stricture of the urethra, two inches from its external orifice. The narrowing of the passage is produced by a mere linear constriction, beneath which there appear some fine transversely undulating bands of glistening fibrous tissue. The submucous tissue around the stricture appears indurated and intimately united to the tissue of the corpus spongiosum. Immediately before and behind the stricture, the urethra has its natural diameter.
This preparation is engraved in Hunter's Works, pl. ix., fig. 1, and may be one of those referred to by Mr. Hunter, where he says (vol. Ii., p. 230), "The disease generally occupies no great length of the passage; at least, in most cases that I have seen, it (the stricture) extended no further in breadth than if the part had been surrounded with a piece of packthread, and in many it had a good deal of that appearance."
SourceHunter 'Works'
Vol. 2, page 257.
NotesOf the Enlargement of the Urethra.
TranscriptThe urethra beyond the stricture I have observed is enlarged, because it is more passive than the bladder, and yields to the pressure of the urine. It is naturally passive while the bladder is acting, by which means it becomes distended in proportion to the force with which the bladder acts, and the resistance of the stricture. Its internal surface often becomes more irregular and fasciculated. It is also more irritable, the distension becoming often the immediate cause of spasms in that part, and these spasms are most probably excited with a view to counteract the effort produced by the action of the bladder.
SourceHunter 'Works'
Vol. 5, pages 7-8
NotesFigured as Plate IX, Figure 1.
p.76
NotesListed in William Clift's catalogue of the drawings of morbid anatomy as Drawing No. 110, page 76. Attributed by Clift to William Bell, and mentioned in Hunter on Venereal Disease on p.147, so drawing and specimen made before 1786.
