Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/P 763
Scientific namePanthera leo
CollectionHunterian
CategoryDry preparations
Object nameHumerus, renal osteodystrophy, Morbid Anatomy of Bones - Rickets in Animals, Mounted dry bone
DescriptionThe longitudinally sectioned humerus of a lion showing changes similar to rickets.
The changes present in these bones are probably the result of nutritional deficiency resulting from the conditions under which the animal was kept in captivity in the 18th century. In earlier catalogues these have been attributed to rickets, a condition resulting from vitamin-D deficiency. However it appears more likely that the changes are the result of hyperparathyroidism arising from a dietary calcium/phosophorus imbalance.
This was one of three specimens from the same animal, described as a 'young lion' (see related records). The source is not recorded by Hunter, but he is known to have received animals from the Royal Menagerie and from private menageries in London.
Production date Estimated 1760 - Estimated 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Related objectsRCSHC/P 765RCSHC/P 764
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 6: Leicester Square
Physical Information
Physical descriptionDry preparation of bone mounted in an oval glass jar with opaque lid, possibly pitch bladder sealed.
Materialglass (material)
Dimensions
whole height: 253 mm
whole diameter: 130 mm
whole weight: 1580 g
whole diameter: 130 mm
whole weight: 1580 g
Bibliography
SourceTurk et al. 2000
15
NotesThis specimen is described and figured (Fig. 5, p. 15).
SourceProger 1966-1972
Vol. 2, page 63.
TranscriptA humerus of a rickety Lion. In the upper part of the section the compact wall of the shaft is in process of rarefaction, and in the lower part the rarefied bone is in addition invested with a layer of finely porous bone. There is some irregularity in the advancing end of the shaft at the lower intermediary cartilage.
SourceClift 1830 Part 2
NotesCatalogue number is 442.
TranscriptVarious bones of a young lion, in a similar state; some of which had been fractured, and others much curved.
